Straw-necked Ibis

Threskiornis spinicollis

The picture shows a straw-necked halibis from the profile. The animal has a long beak and iridescent plumage. In the background is water. IUCN Red List endangerment category: Least concern
  • Family
    Threskiornithidae
  • Weight
    1.000 – 1.500 g
  • Habitat
    Wetlands, floodplains, irrigated fields and grasslands

Nest building by teamwork

Like most ibis, straw-necked ibis are gregarious birds. They breed in very large colonies near water. The nests are built by both parents. The male fetches the twigs while the female builds them into a shallow nest.

Bird with many names

The straw-necked ibis gets its name from the straw-like feathers on its neck and breast that appear during the breeding season. Another common name in Australia is farmer’s friend, because it eats pests such as grasshoppers and other insects that threaten the harvest.

In the often hot, dry landscape of Australia, the straw-necked ibis benefits from the agriculture: the irrigated pastures in its habitat serve as a source of food.

Distribution

Distribution