
Plight of the bin chicken
Bin chicken, tip turkey and picnic pirate are just some of the less flattering names given to the iconic Australian White Ibis. They seem to be known often for the wrong reasons. Sadly, these birds were driven to concrete refuges through drought and habit loss.
Outside of the cities White Ibis populations are diminishing in their natural habitat. The White Ibis isn’t alone in its plight. Its family members, the Glossy Ibis and Straw-necked Ibis, are also feeling the pressure.
Waterbird populations are declining across south-eastern Australia. Numbers have dropped alarmingly over the past decades.
Simply classifying the birds as protected species is not enough to ensure their survival. We need to actively contribute to supporting habitat, breeding opportunities and food sources.