Are Ibis native?

Affectionately (or not?) known as Australia’s bin chicken (or dump chook, tip turkey, sheep bird…), the Ibis is in fact a familiar feathered friend in Penrith.

We have three species of Ibis in Australia (Australian White Ibis, the Straw-necked Ibis, and the Glossy Ibis), with the Australian White Ibis most commonly seen across Penrith, with smaller numbers of the Straw-necked Ibis also present.

Ibis play a role in our ecosystem as they help to control populations of insects and grubs, whilst also being known to help farmers reduce numbers of locusts during plagues.

Why do we see so many of them?

A decline in preferred habitat, including swamps, lagoons, floodplains and grasslands, has seen the ibis frequent populated urban areas and it is here that the bird has picked up its nickname of “bin chicken”, as it supplements its daily food intake with scraps. This more predictable food source has seen the population of white ibis grow. 

There are areas across Penrith where large numbers of Ibis congregate. These are managed by Council and are monitored regularly.

In Penrith, we have known colonies at Glenmore Loch in Glenmore Park, in the vicinity of Charles Hackett Drive, Carinya Avenue and Kokoda Park in St Marys, in a section of Mamre Road also in St Marys, and occasionally in Ridge Park in Colyton. These colonies are healthy and are not causing any health concerns to the public or damaging the environment.

The Ibis is protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, and penalties apply for harming this species.

Where can I learn more?

• Australian White Ibis. The Australian Museum 
• Australian White Ibis. Australian Geographic 
• Australian White Ibis. Birds in Backyards
• White ibis. Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre.