Australian White Ibis

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Australian White Ibis - The State of Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries/McCann | Australian White Ibis - Bob Winters | Australian White Ibis - Bob Winters | Australian White Ibis - Bob Winters

Threskiornis molucca

Grows between 65-75 cm tall. Long down-curved bill. Bare black skin on head, neck and legs. White plumage.

Details
Type
Bird
Group
Animals
Ibis
Other Common Names
Sacred Ibis
Biology

Breeding season is between June and November in southern Australia. This species breeds in large colonies alongside herons, egrets and spoonbills. Rough, loose platforms are built in trees standing in water. Two to five eggs are produced and incubated by both sexes. Incubation time is 20-23 days. One or two broods may be raised each year.
Distinctive Markings

During the breeding season, the small patch of skin on the undersurface of the wing changes from a dull pink to a dark scarlet.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Ciconiiformes
Family
Threskiornithidae
Genus
Threskiornis
Species
molucca
Common and widespread in northern and eastern Australia. Range and abundance in Western Australia is expanding. Absent from Tasmania.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Often form large flocks on farmland during insect plagues.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Omnivore, terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates including crayfish and mussels, also human scraps.
Habitat

Shallow fresh and tidal wetland and pasture.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Audio
Sounds
A deep grunted "urrrk".