Notes on the Australian White Ibis (from a biased bird nerd)
When you think of Ibis, which words come to mind? ‘Bin chicken’? ‘Tip turkey’? ‘Smelly’? ‘Ugly’?
Before you dismiss them as pests, have you ever really looked at an Ibis? Noticed their heads? Their shiny black eyes? Their incredible curved beaks?
Have you seen the pink streaks under their wings? (If they’re red, that means it’s breeding season).
Have you seen their very large feet that help them wade in water and walk on land?
Have you heard their little gurgling calls to one another?
The Australian White Ibis is Australia’s own species of Ibis, distantly related to the Sacred Ibis.
Ibis are often derided for their scavenging habits. They’re resourceful birds who eat our scraps from bins and the ground. But why does that happen in the first place? Very few bird species are meant to scavenge for food.
As humans, we’re living on territories that largely belonged to animals, birds, and plants. We’ve invaded their homes, not the other way around. How can we resent them for adapting as we build pavements, roads, buildings, homes, backyards, and shopping centres over their natural habitats? If it weren’t for us, how different would animals’ lives be?
In their natural environment (look at any large open area of grass such as an oval or park, as pictured above), Ibis use their beaks to forage for insects in grass, and for frogs and shellfish in water. Farmers love them for the fact they eat locusts — they’re a natural pest controller.
When land, water, and food are available, they behave as they’re meant to. When these things aren’t available, Ibis — like all animals — do what they need to live. Before you think of them as stinky, perhaps it’s better to see them for what they are: resourceful survivors.
Biased bird nerd over and out!
