Study reveals wild places Moreton Bay ibises have ‘bin chicken out’

Published 11 March 2026

• A major tracking study has revealed native Australian white ibis living in City of Moreton Bay have travelled further than initially thought, with the birds recorded as far north as Mackay and as far south as Byron Bay  
• As part of the study, 169 ibis were tagged to better understand the movement, ecology and breeding behaviour of the protected native species
• The findings will guide Council’s long-term approach to ibis management, helping reduce risks to the birds while minimising potential conflicts in urban areas 

Ibis tagged in City of Moreton Bay are spreading their wings far and wide, with the native birds tracked right along the coast from Byron to Mackay.  

The tracking of the birds – colloquially known as bin chickens – is part of a study that aims to better understand their behaviour to help Council manage its thriving Australian white ibis populations.  

Mayor Peter Flannery said understanding ibis behaviour is an essential part of ensuring the birds can harmoniously coexist with the community. 

“Australian White Ibis are native to Australia, and they are an important part of our local ecology,” Mayor Flannery said.  

“While the ibis is well-known for visiting outdoor dining areas and sometimes nesting in unsuitable locations, such as near major roads, this research will help us prevent the kinds of issues seen elsewhere in South East Queensland.  

“It’s all about ensuring our residents, visitors and wildlife can live in harmony.” 

Monitoring shows that since 2017, ibis breeding sites in City of Moreton Bay have increased from 17 to 70 locations.  

In response, Council engaged the University of Sunshine Coast (UniSC) in 2021 to investigate whether ibis populations are resident or migratory, identify their preferred breeding habitats, and understand how they use the wider landscape. 

Over a period of nearly two years, 169 ibis were fitted with blue and pink tags at various locations including Bribie Island, Bunya, Caboolture, Morayfield, Burpengary East, Scarborough, Strathpine, Lawnton and Woodford. Nineteen were fitted with short-term GPS trackers, which have provided precise insights into their daily movements. 

Sightings have been reported across multiple local government areas, including Mackay, Rockhampton, Gympie, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast, Fraser Coast and Byron Bay.   

UniSC Associate Professor Dominique Potvin said that despite the apparent abundance of Australian white ibis, studies into the species were surprisingly few and far between.  

“These insights into their movement show that the colonies we see are part of a larger network that spans across council, and even state borders,” Dr Potvin said. 

“It's clear that we need to think of ibis as individuals that have the freedom to move between cities, even if some like to stick to a local area. We may not see it, but these birds provide valuable ecosystem services, and research into where they live and how they decide where to go, can help us manage our urban landscapes for the good of ibis, people, and all the other wildlife that share our cities. 

“These results highlight the need for councils to work together to help the birds make the most of the habitat they need while keeping both people and local wildlife safe and healthy.” 

Council encourages residents, businesses and visitors to support ibis management by not feeding the birds, keeping outdoor areas clean, and ensuring rubbish bins are securely closed. 

Community members can also contribute to the research by recording sightings of tagged ibis through the free Big City Birds citizen-science app.  

Bird diaries: The journeys of tagged Moreton Bay ibises  

Taba (sub-adult male): Since March 2024, Taba has been on quite the journey! Taba stayed in the Caboolture area for a few weeks and then headed north. He had a quick stopover at Caloundra before heading to Noosa and, after a short tour of the Sunshine Coast, made his way to the Gympie region. He frequented the culinary delights on offer at the Gympie Waste Management Facility while exploring the region over about four months. In September 2024, Taba decided to return to City of Moreton Bay. He is currently spending his time between the Dakabin Waste Management facility and exploring the southern parts of Moreton Bay.  

Nibbles (adult female): Tagged at the Caboolture Waste Management Facility in March 2024, Nibbles was later sighted in Rockhampton in December 2024. There have been no reported sightings of Nibbles since.   

Serina (adult male): Tagged at Central Lakes Park, Caboolture, in July 2023. The only reported sighting of Serina was at Byron Bay in April last year.   

ReeRee (adult female): Tagged at Centenary Lakes in March 2024, ReeRee seems to be a bit of a homebody – she’s never been recorded travelling further than 5km from her tagging location. ReeRee’s GPS tracker stopped working after 18 days, however reported sightings of ReeRee on the Big City Bird app reveal she is a regular around Centenary Lakes. She was even seen sitting on a nest! In recent weeks, ReeRee has been regularly sighted in the gardens around the Caboolture Council building.