What is an Australian white ibis?

The Australian white ibis (Threskiornis molucca) is a species of ibis in the family Threskiornithidae. Native to the Australian mainland, it is also found in Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, and has vagrant populations in New Zealand, the Solomons, Java and the Wallacea.

The Australian white ibis is a large, long-legged wading bird with a long curved bill. It is around 50 centimetres long, with a wingspan of 80 centimetres, and a weight of 650 grams. It has white plumage, with a black head, neck, and wings, and bright red legs and feet.

The Australian white ibis is an omnivorous feeder. Its diet includes insects, worms, crustaceans, amphibians and small fish, as well as human-related foods such as bread, rice and meat scraps. It is also a proficient scavenger.

The Australian white ibis is a colonial nesting species. It nests in colonies of up to several thousand pairs. Nests are made in trees, and are typically lined with grass and twigs. The female typically lays two eggs, but occasionally three, which are incubated by both parents. The eggs hatch after around 25 days, and the young birds fledge between 40 and 50 days later.

The Australian white ibis is classified as a Least Concern species by the IUCN. However, its population is declining due to habitat loss and hunting.