Australian white ibis

Ibis walking across grass near tall reeds at the edge of a wetland.

Australian white ibis are native wetland birds that have adapted to life in cities. They have become used to the presence of humans. They feed and breed in parkland, sports ovals, schools, waterways and other urban areas. This has led to a population boom and nuisance behaviours.

What you can do about ibis

You can help with managing ibis populations and behaviours in Moreton Bay by:

  • cleaning up cooking and eating areas within parks after use
  • not feeding ibis. Council discourages feeding wildlife.
  • making sure wheelie bins are always closed
  • limiting access to pet food
  • reporting any ibis roosting or nesting locations by contacting Council
  • reporting any sightings of tagged Ibis on the free ‘Big City Birds’ app
  • reporting any deceased tagged Ibis to Council.

What Council is doing about ibis

Council has an adaptive management strategy for controlling ibis populations. This includes manipulating urban habitats and restricting artificial food supplies. Management throughout the breeding season also occurs.

Research by the University of Sunshine Coast

In 2021, Council engaged the University of Sunshine Coast to conduct research in response to an increase in breeding locations.

The research project investigates the urban ecology of the ibis and aims to:

  • understand the movement of ibis throughout Moreton Bay
  • understand the optimal breeding habitat for ibis
  • determine if the local ibis populations are residential or migratory.

The research findings will inform the sustainable management of Australian white ibis.

The university and Council work together to capture and tag ibis. Blood samples and other measurements also get collected. These determine genetic diversity, related lineage and general health of our ibis colonies.

The ibis' wings or legs get tagged with pink or blue cattle tags. Tagging is done with animal ethics, bird banding and other relevant approvals.

The tags allow tracking of the birds via the free citizen science app Big City Birds. Council encourages residents, visitors and businesses to report ibis sightings via the app.

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