Birds diurnal

Straw-necked Ibis

Threskiornis spinicollis

With their shimmering iridescent wings and unique 'straw' collar, the Straw-necked Ibis is a striking sight in any backyard. Known as a guardian of the garden, this diligent hunter helps keep pest populations in check while displaying fascinating social behaviors.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

Length: 60-75 cm (24-30 in); Wingspan: 100-120 cm (39-47 in); Weight: 1.1-1.5 kg (2.4-3.3 lb)

palette

Colors

Metallic black wings and back with purple and green iridescence; white underparts and neck; distinctive yellow, straw-like feathers on the foreneck; bald black head and down-curved bill.

visibility

Key Features

Stiff yellow straw-like feathers on the neck
Deeply down-curved long black bill
Iridescent dark wings contrasting with a white belly
Bald black skin on the head and neck

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern diurnal

brightness_5

Peak hours 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

calendar_month

Season Year-round, with increased suburban activity during drier months as they seek irrigated lawns.

restaurant

Diet Primarily insectivorous; they specialize in eating grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets, but will also take frogs, small reptiles, and aquatic invertebrates found in shallow water or mud.

park

Habitat Found in open grasslands, pastures, wetlands, and suburban parks. They are frequently seen on large residential lawns following heavy rain or watering.

bar_chart
Loading activity data...

Behavior

Known as the 'Farmer’s Friend,' the Straw-necked Ibis is a highly social bird often seen marching across open grasslands and suburban lawns in search of prey. Unlike its cousin, the Australian White Ibis, this species is less likely to be found scavenging in bins and prefers hunting live insects in the soil. They are nomadic, often traveling long distances in V-shaped formations to follow rainfall and seasonal food sources.

These birds are generally wary of humans but have adapted well to suburban life, particularly in areas with large, well-watered parks or gardens. When not foraging, they roost in tall trees or near wetlands, often in large communal groups. Their social nature means that if you see one on your camera, there are likely several more nearby, communicating with low croaking sounds during flight or while nesting.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture the best footage of the Straw-necked Ibis, place your camera at a low height—roughly 1 to 2 feet off the ground. These birds are terrestrial foragers, meaning they spend the vast majority of their time on the grass. Aim your camera across a wide, flat patch of lawn or a garden edge where the soil stays moist. A slightly upward angle can help highlight the iridescent sheen on their wings and the unique texture of their straw-like neck feathers.

While we don't recommend artificial feeding, you can naturally attract them by keeping your lawn well-watered or by leaving a short patch of grass where they can easily probe for grubs and crickets. They are particularly active on 'mowing days' when insects are disturbed. Setting your camera to 'Burst Mode' or capturing high-frame-rate video is essential; their probing movements are quick and repetitive, and you'll want to catch the moment they pull a meal from the earth.

Since these birds are quite large and travel in groups, use a wide-angle lens setting if your camera allows it. This prevents the 'accidental close-up' where you only see a blur of white feathers. Early morning light is your best friend—the low sun brings out the metallic greens and purples in their plumage that usually look black in flat midday light. If your camera has a PIR (passive infrared) sensor, set the sensitivity to high, as their feathers are well-insulated and may not always trigger a low-sensitivity sensor.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Straw-necked Ibis.

Australian White Ibis

Much whiter overall with a black tail and no straw-like neck feathers; frequently scavenges in urban environments.

Glossy Ibis

Smaller and much darker overall, with a reddish-brown cast to the feathers and no white underparts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Straw-necked Ibis are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. You are most likely to see them foraging in your yard during the mid-morning and late afternoon when insects are most active near the surface of the soil.

The best way to attract them is to maintain a healthy, chemical-free lawn. They are drawn to moist soil and short grass where they can easily probe for crickets and grubs. Watering your lawn during dry spells can also make your yard a primary destination for them.

They are beneficial predators that eat a wide variety of garden pests, including grasshoppers, locusts, caterpillars, and crickets. Occasionally, they will also eat small frogs or lizards if they encounter them while foraging.

Yes, they are very common in Australian suburbs, especially in areas with large parks, sports fields, or spacious backyards. Unlike the Australian White Ibis, they are less likely to scavenge for human scraps and prefer natural food sources.

Look at the back and the neck. The Straw-necked Ibis has dark, iridescent wings and back, whereas the Australian White Ibis is almost entirely white. Additionally, the Straw-necked Ibis has distinctive yellow, straw-like feathers on its neck which the White Ibis lacks.

Record Straw-necked Ibis at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo