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Today's blog post is about the beautiful Ibis.

Australian White Ibis: A native bird. It is one of three Ibis species in Australia (alongside the Straw-necked Ibis and the Glossy Ibis). 

The Ibis have been sacred to Indigenous communities for thousands of years because of their connection to the land and sacred water places. They are also a symbol of healthy wetlands.

Scientific name: Threskiornis molucca

The Australian White Ibis is also known as the "bin chicken" due to its increasing presence in suburbia and their tendency to scavenge for food. The Ibis was once known as the "Sacred Ibis" because it was associated with the God Thoth, who represented the moon, magic, and wisdom.

😮 Surprising fact: Ibises do not have voice boxes, so they grunt (feebly) or croak.

They often congregate in large numbers and make lots of noise! 😮

They form very large flocks and fly in formation (commonly a "V" shape to enhance their flight efficiency and coordination). Ritual bowing is an integral part of their courtship and nesting displays. Ibises forage around swamps, lakes and grasslands. I often see them foraging in grasslands when the ground is soft after rain. Adults grow to be about 70 cm long. Their head and upper half of their neck are black and bald with pink bands on the back of their head. Underneath their wings on each side of their breast are naked scarlet patches (see my piccys below).

            

White plumage covers much of the rest of their body,

but the tips of their wings are black!

They feed on crustaceans, aquatic insects, and earthworms, but may also eat

snails, fish and frogs.

Ibises play a crucial role in aerating the soil while they search for insects and can

often be found in public parks, sporting ovals and the local neighbourhood.

       

Even on roofs!! 😮 

Check out the links below for more facts about the Australian White Ibis.

Australian White Ibis Fact Sheet

Australian White Ibis Bird Profile

Below are some piccys of my recent encounters with this magnificent bird! 

#IbisConnections #SacredIbis #BirdTherapy

❤️ Enjoy!! ❤️

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can you spot the Ibis's foot? 🤣😂🤣

Hint: Top of the photo! 

 

 

💚💚💚