Australian White Ibis

Description:

The Australian White Ibis is a wading bird of the ibis family Threskiornithidae. It is widespread across much of Australia. It has a predominantly white plumage with a bare, black head, long downcurved bill and black legs. Its sister species is the Sacred Ibis. The body plumage is white although it may become brown-stained. Inner secondary plumes are displayed as lacy black 'tail' feathers. The upper tail becomes yellow when the bird is breeding. The legs and feet are dark and red skin is visible on the underside of the wing. Immature birds have shorter bills. The head and neck are feathered in juveniles. This ibis feeds on various fish, frogs and other water creatures, and also insects and garbage.

Habitat:

The Australian White Ibis is widespread in eastern, northern and southwestern Australia. It occurs in marshy wetlands, often near open grasslands and has become common in Australian east-coast city parks and rubbish dumps in the urban areas.

Notes:

This Ibis was spotted at the lake on the University of Queensland Campus. Obviously it's bath time! Quite an unusual-looking bird, the back-lighting of the wings makes this Ibis look quite beautiful.