The Australian White Ibis is a native Australian bird and is protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
The ibis plays an important role in natural pest management and is one of the few species that have adapted to eat cane toads.
They are an adaptable species living with humans in urban areas, which can cause urban-wildlife conflict.
Due to declining areas of natural habitat and food source, ibis have begun supplementing their diets from landfill sites, bins and litter – hence the nickname ‘bin chicken.’ The availability of food scraps has enabled ibis to become dependent on “human-provided” sources of food, thereby becoming a nuisance to local residents.
Large numbers of roosting and nesting ibis may damage native vegetation and an abundance of ibis may reduce the recreational value of parks and public areas. The issues of concern are smell, noise, unsightliness and defecation. They may also harass humans for food.
Here are some tips to reduce the occurrence of ibis at your property.
Fraser Coast Regional Council continues to undertake works to reduce exotic vegetation in problem urban areas, to discourage their nesting, roosting and feeding near dwellings and in public areas.
Here is a link to an information sheet regarding Feeding Wild Birds.
