Ibis lift-off

The Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis moluccus), is a wading bird of the very large ibis family. It is widespread across much of Australia, and this one is taking off from the Playford Lake.

Our Aussie version has a predominantly white plumage with a bare, black head, long downcurved bill and black legs. The American version, for example, is quite different in the colour of the beak and feet. Also different in average size.

Lift-off!

The Australian White Ibis is a fairly large ibis species, around 65–75 cm (25–30 in) long. The male weighs 1.7–2.5 kg (3.7-5.5 lb) compared to the 1.4–1.9 kg (3.1–4.2 lb) of the female. As an interesting comparison, the American White Ibis generally attains a weight of 1 kg (2.2 lb).