White ibis fact sheet

What is a white ibis?

White ibis are native wetland birds and one of three ibis species found in Australia. They have a distinctive black bald head and white feathers. They range in size from 65 to 75 centimetres. The scientific name for the white ibis is Threskiornis molucca.

White ibis are a protected native species and play an important part in the ecosystem. They help to control the populations of insects and grubs. They are also affectionately known as ‘the farmers friend’ because they help control locust plagues.

White ibis standing on the ground with white body, black tail, bald black head and long curved black beak. White ibis

Fast facts – White ibis

Scientific name – Threskiornis molucca

Appearance – White feathers with a distinctive bald black head, long curved black beak and black tail; 65–75 cm tall.

Where they live – Naturally found in freshwater wetlands and marshlands of inland Australia. Now also common along Australia’s north and east coasts and increasingly in Western Australia.

Food – Carnivores that eat a wide variety of land and water animals. Natural prey includes crayfish, mussels, insects, frogs, fish, crustaceans, earthworms, snakes and mice.

Life cycle – Traditionally breed in wetland habitats, nesting in tall trees near water. Females lay 2–3 eggs that hatch after about 22 days. Both parents share incubation and chick care. Chicks take around 48 days to grow wing feathers large enough for flight and are adults at about 3 years of age.

Where do white ibis live?

White ibis live in Australia’s north and east. Population numbers in Western Australia are also increasing. Natural habitats for white ibis are the freshwater wetlands and marshlands of inland Australia. Due to drought and land clearing, white ibis now populate coastal and urban areas. They have adapted to living in big cities and parklands where they can find an abundance of food and water.

White ibis walking through a street-side garden bed in an urban area, showing how well it adapts to city environments. White ibis adapt well to urban environments.

What do white ibis eat?

White ibis are carnivores. They eat a wide variety of terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) animals. Their preferred diet consists of crayfish, mussels and insects. Frogs, fish, crustaceans, earthworms, snakes and mice are also common prey items in their natural habitat.

In city environments, where their usual prey items are not present, white ibis scavenge for discarded food in rubbish dumps and rubbish bins. They have many nicknames such as ‘bin chicken’ because of this behaviour.

White ibis wading in shallow water with its long beak probing below the surface for food. White ibis are wading birds that feed both on land and in water.

What structural adaptations do white ibis have?

White ibis have nostrils at the base of their beaks so they can breathe as they probe for food in shallow water. Their long curved beaks are perfect for poking through the mud, sand and weeds for prey. White ibis are built for flight. They can fly long distances to nest and breed. Trips up to three thousand kilometres have been recorded!

White ibis have long strong legs, large wings and strong beaks to fight off predators. They display their wings as a show of strength towards other males during the breeding season.

White ibis standing in shallow water with its beak open, using its strong bill to break open a shellfish. White ibis use their strong beaks as a hammering tool to break open the shells of molluscs and shellfish.

What behavioural adaptations do white ibis have?

White ibis are social birds and roost in trees in large groups. These groups are called colonies and are very noisy! Noisy honking is a form of communication. There may be a disturbance in the nest or young ibis may be communicating hunger.

White ibis have successfully adapted to city environments as their traditional wetland habitats in rural parts of Australia have been drying up. These changes have forced them to colonise places where food, water and habitats are more predictable. They have adapted to these new environments and food sources – such as human food waste – to ensure their survival.

How do white ibis breed and reproduce?

Traditional breeding grounds for white ibis are wetland habitats. The pink skin under their wings becomes red when it is mating season. The female lays 2 to 3 eggs which hatch approximately 22 days later. Both the male and female take turns to look after the eggs. When the eggs hatch it takes 48 days for the chicks to develop wing feathers that are large enough for flight. White ibis are considered adults at 3 years of age.

Male ibis will find a tall tree from which to attract a female. When an interested female arrives the male will bow and offer her a twig. Once accepted the pair will fly away to look for a suitable tree in which to nest. In urban areas they are often seen perched in exotic date palm trees.

White ibis flying with a stick held in its beak to build a nest in a tall tree. The ibis collect sticks to build their nest.

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Habitats and food

Attributions

Image attributions

White ibis adapt well to urban environments. - "Australian White Ibis" by maxarens. CC BY-NC 2.0 (cropped)

White ibis are wading birds that feed both on land and in water. - "Australian White Ibis" by 0ystercatcher. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 (cropped)

White ibis have a strong, probing beak to find and catch prey. - "Australian White Ibis" by Tatters ✾.  CC BY 2.0 (cropped)

Just one of many sticks to find to build a nest. - "Look what I'm bringing home." by Kiwi Mikex. CC BY-ND 2.0 (cropped)