Pink ibis on the Coffs Coast has community puzzled by plumage

There is drama in the world of birds as a hot pink ibis ruffles feathers

There is drama in the tight-knit ibis community after one of its members was seen sporting a wild new look.

A hot-pink ibis has been ruffling feathers on the Coffs Coast for more than a month, with its outlandish style being derided by some and lauded as beautiful by others.

Mystery surrounds the origins of the pink ibis as people around the northern beaches region, from Korora to Woolgoolga, clamour for an opportunity to spot the special bird.

Debate has raged on social media as to how it was transformed and while some suggest it may have been deliberately sprayed in an act of animal cruelty, others think it may have just been accidentally covered in dye.

Norm Farmer snaps the pink ibis in April.

There is also a small group, probably with poor eyesight, who suggested it could be a flamingo.

One ibis, who spoke to The Advocate on the condition of anonymity, said the polarising feathers had split the usually harmonious community and came as a complete surprise.

Deepbeak*, holds a senior position in the flock and feared reprisals if it spoke out.

“Personally, I love the new look,” Deepbeak said.

“I was blown away the first time I saw it and I really hope it inspires a new generation of ibises to fly to the flap of their own wings.

“We would love the flock to change direction after so many years with the same colour dominating.”

The pink ibis, seen here with some of its supporters, has split the flock. Many are hoping the maverick bird can help a new generation of ibises wrest control from the old guard. Photo: Tanya Armstrong.

However, there are many in the ibis community who have been horrified at the development, with some labelling it a “evil-craze” and “un-birdly”.

Deepbeak acknowledged some senior flock figures were working hard to ensure the new look didn’t take hold but dismissed the attempts by the “faceless-ibi” as futile.

“There are a lot of people with deep roots in the flock who have held onto power for a long time – and they really don’t like change,” they said.

“But even if this look begins to fade, we will always remember.

“It’s something you can’t unsee.”

*Deepbeak is a pseudonym used to protect the identity of our source.