This is another of my bird sightings from a recent trip to Far North Queensland: A Straw-necked Ibis. It was patrolling a large area of cut grass:

The name “straw-necked” comes from the bunch of thin, straw-like feathers at the base of the bird’s neck.

Down in Sydney, the Australian White Ibis (dubbed the bin chicken by locals) is a common sight. But I haven’t seen a Straw-necked Ibis before. According to my bird book, they’re roughly the same size and weight. However, this particular bird seemed heavier and stronger than the ibises I’ve seen up to now.

Common name: Straw-necked Ibis
Scientific name: Threskiornis spinicollis
Approximate length: 60-70 cm
Date spotted: 17 May 2022 (dry season)
Location: Port Douglas, Far North Queensland, Australia: 16°30’42.2″S 145°27’44.2″E