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Australian White IbisAlternative names: "Black-necked Ibis", "Sickle-bird" Size: 65-75 cm |
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Habitat |
(for details refer to a field guide) |
Australian White Ibises are found over large parts of the Australian continent including the east coast of Tasmania, with the exception of the most arid parts of the interior of the continent, i.e. the eastern two thirds of WA, the western half of SA and the southern half of the NT. In other parts of the semi-arid interior and the western half of WA they are present only when there is sufficient surface water, normally after major rainfall events.
Australian Ibises are found in various types of freshwater wetlands, including flooded grassland and also in wetlands of brackish water. They also scavenge and can thus be found around rubbish tips and in urban parks.
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Sightings |
A significant number of Australian White Ibises are permanent residents in the Narrabri region, in all wet, moist or muddy areas. After significant rainfall in the area in September 2008, hundreds of them were camped around the rubbish tip (and stayed there for months). It is interesting to note that only a few Straw-necked Ibises join them there.
There is a significant colony of Australian White Ibises that breeds in trees on a small island in Narrabri Lake.
Also sighted on a trip to the east of the Great Dividing Range, in the area from Armidale to Dorrigo and Clarence river downs (Iluka), NSW. Also spotted in various other locations along the coastline, from Urunga to Hat Head.
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Photos |
Lateral view of an Australian White Ibis
Dorsal view of an Australian White Ibis
Small colony of Australian White Ibises on the bank of Narrabri Lake,
together with two Silver
Gulls
Closer look at a flock of Australian White Ibises
A whole array of aquatic birds hunting/foraging in O'Brien's
Creek at Narrabri, NSW:
three White-necked
Herons,
two Australian White
Ibis in breeding plumage,
two Great Egrets,
one Purple Swamphen,
one Dusky Moorhen
and two Pacific Black
Ducks
Near-frontal view of an Australian White Ibis in flight
Lateral view of an Australian White Ibis in flight
Flock of Australian White Ibises in flight, with the characteristic
black tips of the primaries clearly visible
Lateral view of an immature bird
Immature bird waiting in a tree to be fed; when they are that young
they are actually still white
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Twitcher's tip |
Here an example why one should never take things for granted while bird-watching: In October 2011 three birds flew over our property. The photo below shows two of them - identification as Australian White Ibis is easy.
Australian White Ibis seen from underneath
A second photo shows the remaining third bird and only closer inspection later, on the computer, showed that it had slightly different features...
The third bird turned out to be an "interloper"...
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Breeding information |
| Breeding season: Aug - Dec | Eggs: 2 - 5 | Incubation period: 20 - 23 days | Fledging age: ca. 49 days |
The breeding season depends significantly on geographical latitude. In the tropical north Australian White Ibises breed Feb - May. Given the right conditions, Australian White Ibises can breed any time of the year. They breed in tightly packed colonies, together with other aquatic birds.
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Nest |
| Type: Basket | Material: Sticks, lined with leaves | Height above ground: 0 - 20 m |
Australian White Ibises can nest in trees or just above water level, e.g. on lignum. They often nest in loose colonies, together with other aquatic species.
Australian White Ibises nesting at Narrabri Lake
Another example of colonial nesting
Here a nest with three chicks in it, ready to leave any time
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Eggs |
| Size: 65 x 45 mm | Colour: Creamy | Shape: Elliptical |
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Behaviour |
| Social behaviour: Communal | Mobility: Sedentary/dispersive | Elementary unit: Flock |
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Food |
Ibises feed on small animals that they pull out of mud or soft soil. Australian White Ibises are also known to scavenge; they are often seen around rubbish tips.

























