Australian Ibis

1. Bare black head and neck in adults; juveniles have feathered heads

2. Long, down-curved black bill and white body with black wingtips

3. Pink to scarlet underwing patch visible during breeding season

This species is highly adaptable, feeding on a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, as well as human food scraps. Favoured natural foods include crayfish and mussels, which they dig out with their long bills. They are also known for their opportunistic scavenging in urban environments, sometimes even snatching food from people. Australian White Ibises are diurnal, feeding and roosting in groups, and are highly social, often forming large breeding colonies with other waterbirds. Breeding occurs in colonies near water, with timing varying by region. Nests are shallow platforms of sticks and reeds, usually in trees. Clutches typically contain two to three eggs, and chicks are born naked and helpless, fledging after about 48 days. Some pairs remain together across seasons, while others change partners.

Australian White Ibises are widespread across eastern, northern, and southwestern Australia, and are expanding their range. They are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lagoons, swamps, tidal mudflats, open grasslands, and increasingly, urban parks and gardens. In cities, they are commonly seen foraging in groups around rubbish bins, picnic areas, and outdoor dining spots, as well as roosting in large colonies at dusk

Once primarily wetland specialists, Australian White Ibises have adapted to urban life due to habitat loss and drought, becoming cultural icons in the process. Their "bin chicken" nickname reflects their scavenging habits.