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.  

Illustration of Australian White Ibis, Glossy Ibis and Straw-necked Ibis

Australian Ibis species

Illustration of a White Ibis

Australian White Ibis

An Iconic Australian bird known to many as the bin chicken. The Australian White Ibis has a white body and black head and neck. Its head is featherless and its bill is long and curved downwards. During breeding a patch of skin under their wings changes from dull pink to dark scarlet.

Illustration of a Glossy Ibis

Glossy Ibis

The smallest of the 3 ibis species found in Australia. Its neck is reddish-brown and the body bronze-brown with an iridescent sheen on the wings. The Glossy Ibis has a long downwards curved bill that is olive brown. The facial skin is blue-grey with a white line around the eyes. 

Illustration of a straw-necked Ibis

Straw-necked Ibis

The Straw-necked Ibis has special straw like neck feathers. It has a glossy blue-black back, with a metallic purple, green and bronze sheen. Its preference for grassland insects such as grasshoppers and locusts have earnt it the name of Farmer's Friend.

Illustration of 4 Ibis in a wetland

Water is life

Ibis are part of a special group of birds that only breed in large numbers. These groups of Straw-necked Ibis can be enormous and hold more than 100,000 nests. A flood is the best chance Straw-necked Ibis get to make sure their babies are protected and have the food they need.

When the wetlands are full, water levels need to stay high to make sure chicks have everything they need to grow. Adequate water then helps them to survive on their own. If the water level drops quickly, the adult birds can abandon the nest and the chicks won’t survive.

Illustration of many Ibis in a wetland

Runoff from rainfall is now often captured in dams or taken for human use. The flow of water that plants and animals need to survive has been interrupted.

We can lend a helping hand to Ibis survival by adding water for the environment.

The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder delivers water for the environment when and where plants and animals need it most. It is used to help rivers flow, keep native plants healthy, and support feeding and breeding of native animals, birds, fish and frogs. This is critical to keeping rivers and wetlands healthy, so they can continue to sustain healthy communities.

To better understand the importance of water for the environment, we need to look closely at the Ibis’ breeding and life cycles.

 

Section
Illustration of Ibis eggs next to the river

Eggs

Straw-necked Ibis nest together in wetlands when they are full of water. They trample a platform and build a nest in vegetation like lignum or reedbeds. Nests are built above the water level.

Illustration of Ibis hatching out of eggs

New chicks

Both parents will leave the nests to forage for food for newly hatched chicks. Having nests above the water protects them from predators such as pigs and foxes. Water for the environment helps keep water levels up.

Illustration of adult and yound Ibis with pin feathers, known as a squirter.

Squirters

Chicks are called squirters once they begin to develop feathers. If the water dries up at this stage, adults may abandon the vulnerable chicks who can’t yet walk or fly.

Illustration of a young Ibis who is now strong enough to walk

Runners

Once chicks learn to walk they are called runners. They continue to live on the nest as they cannot fly. To stay safe from predators, water levels must be maintained during this time. Water for the environment helps keep water levels up.

Illustration of an Ibis in the flapper lifestage

Flappers

As chicks build up their strength in preparation of flying, they are called flappers. The birds have now grown much larger. Water for the environment can be used to provide fresh flowing water. This can prevent disease in such dense groups.

Illustration of Ibis flying

Flyers

Almost there, chicks are in their final stages before leaving the nest. They can fly but remain close, being fed by adults for up to 2 weeks or more. At this time, water for the environment may be needed to make sure there are shallow feeding grounds around nesting sites. This makes sure there is enough food for the birds. 

Illustration of Ibis fledglings

Fledglings

Juvenile birds remain vulnerable while they learn to fend for themselves. Water for the environment can be used to make sure they have wetlands and foraging grounds to survive their first winter. 

Ibis life cycle at a glance

 

Day 1 to 20
Egg

Eggs are laid and incubated.

Day 20 to 25
Chick

Recently hatched chicks have downy feathers. They remain in nests.

Day 25 to 30
Squirter

Squirters have early pin feathers starting on their wings. They are still in the nest and can't move around. 

Day 30 to 35
Runner

Runners have a mix of down and feathers. They walk awkwardly but can leave the nest on foot. 

Day 35 to 40
Flapper

Flappers are nearly fully feathered. They can't fly but flap between nests. 

Day 40 to 50
Flyer

Flyers are fully feathered, able to fly and leave nests but are still looked after by parents.  

Day 45 to 50
Fledged

Fledglings are independent. They leave the nest but roost in nearby trees. 

Year 3 to 4
Adult

Chicks have developed into adult birds. They are ready to begin breeding when conditions are right. 

Illustration of Ibis watching other adult Ibis fly overhead

Home sweet home

It’s important to plan and use water for the environment during both wet and dry times. Ibis use wetlands for drought refuge in dry times. In wet times, the Ibis return to breed in the wetlands. The birds can travel thousands of kilometres to breeding grounds. The cycle continues once youngsters are old enough and conditions are just right for them to breed the next generation.

In the wild Ibis are thought to live for around 14 years and breed many times in their life. By using water for the environment, we can help to maintain wetlands for breeding sites. This gives our birds a better chance of survival. 

 

Illustration of an Ibis next to their eggs in a wetland

Ibis are just one example of the many species within our complex river ecosystems that we work to understand and support. We help our incredible native wildlife to thrive not only in the wet times but also the dry. Water is the primary source of life ensuring our environment is healthy for all humans, plants and animals. 

Illustration of an Ibis flapping it's wings to prepare for flying

Credits

Artwork by Nina Rupena

Scientific Advice Kate Brandis University of NSW and Jennifer Spenser NSW DPE - Environment and Heritage group