The straw-necked ibis is a bird of the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae. It can be found throughout Australia, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia. Adults have distinctive straw-like feathers on their necks.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Widely distributed across Australia, New Guinea, and parts of eastern Indonesia, favoring open wetlands and adjacent grasslands. It frequents floodplains, swamps, shallow lakes, and irrigated farmland, and often feeds in cropped fields and pastures. The species readily exploits human-modified landscapes, especially after rain events that boost invertebrate abundance. It roosts colonially in trees over or near water and breeds in large colonies when conditions are suitable.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the Farmer’s Friend, this ibis consumes vast numbers of locusts and other agricultural pests. Its namesake straw-like hackles on the neck are most conspicuous in adults. Highly nomadic, it follows rainfall and often gathers in large colonies to breed after floods. In flight, flocks frequently form loose V-shapes or lines.
Straw-necked ibis flock
Threskiornis spinicollis egg - MHNT
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and occasional soaring glides
Social Behavior
Often in flocks, it forages in loose groups and forms large, noisy breeding colonies in trees over water or in reedbeds. Breeding is closely tied to rainfall and flooding; both sexes help build the nest and incubate. Clutches commonly contain 2–4 eggs, and colonies may shift location between years.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are grunts, croaks, and harsh honks rather than melodious songs. Calls are most frequent at roosts, colonies, and in flight when flock members keep contact.
