Australian White Ibis

Description:

The Australian White Ibis is a large ibis with a mostly white plumage and with a bare black head, long downcurved beak and black legs. Previously rare in urban areas but now increasing along the East Coast while disappearing from its original natural breeding areas, this bird polarizes communities as to whether it should be considered a pest or vulnerable.

Habitat:

Urban park near a river (Brisbane City Botanic Gardens)

Notes:

The Sacred Ibis (T. aethiopicus) of Africa, the Black-headed Ibis (T. melanocephalus) of Asia, and the Australian Sacred Ibis have been shown to have different karyotypes. Since then the Australian White Ibis has been considered a full separate species from the other two.