Australian White Ibis with Chicks Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Ibises are of several kinds; this one is Australian white Ibis. It can be easily recognized because of its white plumage, bare black head and long black legs. They migrate to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary near Bangalore.

The long down curved bill is common to all varieties of Ibis. They nest in groups and coexist well with other birds like spoonbills and herons.

Australian white Ibis

Australian white Ibis

Australian White Ibis

Sadly too many of them have caused havoc in parts of Australia and they try different means to get rid of Ibis. They have earned nicknames like: bin chickens, tip turkeys, sandwich snatchers and picnic pirates.

This species has been culled in parts of Sydney due to their smell and at times obtrusive nature. We did get a smell as we rowed around the islands where the birds were nesting, but that may be due to the mix of different birds and their poops. They have a very unpleasant croaking sound too.

Ibises catch and eat small, usually aquatic, animals from fish and frogs to insects, shellfish, crabs and crayfish. The one in the first pic was taking its drink for a long time which enabled us to take good pics. The mommy birds feeding the little ones was interesting to watch. Wish I had taken a video.

Australian white Ibis chicks

Ibis chicks

Ibis Trivia

Interestingly, it is believed that the white ibis is a symbol for danger and optimism. Native American folklore mentions that the bird was the last to seek shelter before a hurricane and the first to emerge afterwards.

Australian white ibis reaches sexual maturity in 3 years. Lifespan of Ibis is 28 years approx.

In ancient world of Egypt, the Ibis bird was considered sacred. It was associated with Thoth, the God of wisdom and writing.

Thoth was often represented in the form of a man’s body with the head of the Ibis and was the patron of the educated scribes who were responsible for the administration of Egypt.

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Australian White Ibis Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary INDIA

(This post was first published on Sept 14, 2014.)

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