The ibis: could it be our hero?

THIS might sound crazy, but I believe the ibis is Australia's Dark Knight.

The Ibis could never be described as a beautiful bird, but they are still fascinating. Picture: Contributed

THIS might sound crazy, but I believe the ibis is Australia's Dark Knight.

In our current political and social climate, it often feels like we're living in a divided nation.

Everything is up for debate: climate change, economic management, immigration, marriage, and the list goes on.

But one thing Australians can all agree on is our deep and passionate hatred for the less-than-affectionately termed bin chickens, tip turkeys, filth flamingoes, rubbish raptors.

Who hasn't had their lunch brazenly stolen by these scaly scavengers? Who hasn't had a family picnic blatantly ruined by these disguised winged rats? Even just the distinctive stench that wafts unpleasantly with each beat of their wings is enough to turn my stomach. Herein lies the ibis's beauty and its universal abhorrence.

The ibis unifies us unlike any other issue while highlighting a pressing concern.

Ibises are native birds, most commonly found in swamps and waterways before urban expansion.

The reason they've ventured so closely into our personal spaces is because of environmental degradation. Because they aren't able to live in their former homes, they've adapted (cleverly, albeit disgustingly) instead.

The ibis gives us a bipartisan reason to look after our environment a little better - if for no other reason than to rid our cities of the horrid creatures. Or, at least, unite us for a nation-wide cull. I may be a greenie, but even I have limits.