Scientific Name: Threskiornis spinicollis
Size: 59 to 76 cm
What does it look like?
The most striking and common of the Australian Ibises, the Straw-necked Ibis is identified by its iridescent purple-green back and wings and snow white underparts. The down-curved bill is black, as is the bare skin of the head and neck; the lower neck is covered with short feathers. Long ‘straw-like’ plumes cascade from the fore-neck of adult birds. During the breeding season the bare yellow skin of the underwing becomes bright red.
Where is it found?
The Straw-necked Ibis is found throughout mainland Australia.
What are its habitats & habits?
It often occurs in large flocks in wet or dry grasslands over much of Australia, feeding on terrestrial invertebrates.
This species features in my book Australia’s Birdwatching Megaspots