The Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis moluccus) is a widespread wading bird, family Threskiornithidae, found across much of Australia. They are recognisable with their predominantly white plumage, a bare black head, long downcurved bill and grey-black legs.
Historically, the Australian White Ibis were found in large populations on inland wetlands (often wetlands that were in flood and offering plenthy of food). With agricultural expansion and the management and development of water sources,
this saw the decline of their natural habitats, with the Australian White Ibis adapting to living in urban regions in our towns and cities.
They have become quite common in urban settings, due to their activity of rummaging through human garbage bins and other litter dumped on the ground. This has given rise to some unfortunate names including, bin chicken, dump chook, tip turkey and sheep bird.
The Australian White Ibis were once referred to as “Sacred Ibis”, as those found in Africa, being thought to be a single species. Now, the Australian White Ibis has been identified as a separate species.
- Scientific classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Informal: Gnathostomata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Ciconiiformes
- Family: Threskiornithidae
- Subfamily: Threskiornithinae
- Genus: Threskiornis
- Species: Threskiornis moluccus
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