FAMILY NAME: Threskiornithidae SCIENTIFIC NAME: Threskiornis molucca SUBSPECIES: none
SIZE: 65 to 76cm. (26" to 30") tip to tail. Wingspan approx 1.25m (50")
LOCATION: Found in most open habitats around water, in the eastern third of Australia, and across the north. It's range is spreading within Western Australia, and is now also established in Tasmania.
BREEDING: Breeding in the south takes place between June and December, and in the north, between September and April. Laying 2 to 3 eggs in a shallow nest of sticks or reeds, usually in trees near or over water. Also builds nest amonst reeds.
GENERAL: Sometimes called "Sacred Ibis", they are one of three species of Ibis in Australia, the others being the "Glossy Ibis" and the "Straw-necked Ibis". These birds have become very comfortable living around humans, and exploiting their refuse. Their normal diet consists of terrestrial and acquatic invertebrates, and find them by pushing their bill deep into the mud.
References:
Michael Morecombe.
Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day.
The Birds of Australia.M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly.
The Atlas of Australian Birds.Birds in Backyards.
www.birdsinbackyards.netGraham Pizzey - Frank Knight.
The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia.
