Birds Active during the day

Australian Ibis

Threskiornis molucca

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

Meet Australia’s most misunderstood icon. From ancient wetlands to city parks, the Australian Ibis is a master of adaptation with a striking silhouette and a surprising history.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 65–75 cm (25–30 in); Wingspan: 110–125 cm (43–49 in); Weight: 1.4–2.5 kg (3.1–5.5 lbs)

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Colors

Body is predominantly white with black tips on the wings. The head and neck are bare of feathers and deep black. Legs and the long, downcurved bill are also black.

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Key Features

Long, black, downcurved 'sickle' bill
Bald black head and neck contrasting with white body
Black lacy feathers (scapular plumes) over the tail
Distinctive slow, flapping flight pattern with intermittent glides

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 7-11 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet A highly opportunistic generalist that probes soil or water for crustaceans, mollusks, insects, and frogs; in urban areas, they scavenge for human food scraps.

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Habitat Widespread across wetlands, mudflats, and grasslands, but now highly common in suburban parks, gardens, and urban centers.

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Where Does the Australian Ibis Live?

Native to the Australian continent, this species is found across much of the mainland, though it is most concentrated in the north, east, and southwest. While they are iconic to Australia, their range extends northward into southern New Guinea, the Moluccas, and parts of the Indonesian archipelago. In recent decades, they have expanded significantly from inland wetlands into coastal urban centers as a response to changing water patterns in the interior.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

4 Countries

4.5M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

AU Australia Papua New Guinea ID Indonesia Solomon Islands

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Often affectionately or derisively known as the 'Bin Chicken,' the Australian Ibis is a highly intelligent and resilient bird. In their natural wetland habitats, they are communal foragers, often seen wading through shallow water or probing soft mud for food. They are very social, nesting in large, noisy colonies often shared with other waterbirds like spoonbills and cormorants.

In urban environments, their behavior has shifted remarkably. They have become bold scavengers, navigating city parks, outdoor cafes, and landfills with ease. Despite their urban reputation, they retain complex social structures and are skilled flyers, often traveling in V-formations between roosting sites and feeding grounds. They are generally peaceful toward humans but can be persistent when they spot an easy meal.

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Camera Tips

To capture the Australian Ibis on a backyard camera, placement is key. Since they are ground-foragers, position your camera low—about 30 to 60 centimeters (1-2 feet) off the ground. Aiming the lens at a flat patch of lawn or near the edge of a backyard pond will yield the best results. Because they are large birds, ensure the camera has a wide enough field of view to capture their entire profile, especially that iconic long bill.

While we don't recommend leaving out human food (which can be bad for their health), a shallow, sturdy birdbath or a consistent water source is an excellent natural lure. They are most active during the mid-morning and late afternoon as they move between roosts. Set your camera’s trigger interval to a short delay, as Ibis often move in small groups; a fast trigger ensures you catch the whole family as they probe the ground for insects.

During the breeding season (usually starting in August), look for more complex social behaviors. You might capture them carrying nesting materials like sticks or reeds. If your camera has a 'Time Lapse' mode, try setting it to capture activity near tall trees or palms where they might be roosting. For the best image quality, position the camera so the sun is behind it, as their bright white feathers can easily 'blow out' or overexpose in direct, harsh sunlight.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Australian Ibis.

Straw-necked Ibis

Larger with dark, iridescent black feathers on the back and wings, and distinctive yellow 'straw' feathers on the neck.

Royal Spoonbill

Similar white plumage and size, but features a straight, flat, spoon-shaped bill rather than a curved one.

Glossy Ibis

Much smaller with deep reddish-brown and metallic green plumage rather than white.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Australian Ibis are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are most frequently spotted foraging in the early morning shortly after sunrise and in the late afternoon before they return to their communal roosts in trees or wetlands.

The best way to attract them safely is by providing a large, shallow water source or maintaining a healthy, chemical-free lawn where they can probe for grubs and worms. Avoid feeding them bread or scraps, as this can cause health issues and aggressive behavior.

In the wild, they eat aquatic invertebrates, crayfish, mussels, frogs, and grasshoppers. In suburban areas, they have adapted to eat almost anything, including food waste from bins and pet food left outdoors.

Yes, they are extremely common in Australian suburbs. Due to drought and habitat loss in their traditional inland wetland ranges, many populations moved to coastal cities where they have successfully adapted to urban living.

The Australian Ibis has a white body and a bald black head. The Straw-necked Ibis has dark, iridescent black wings and back, with distinctive straw-like feathers on its neck and a white belly.

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