The ibis has thrived in a world without humans
The deserted streets have suited the ibis - colloquially known as the bin chicken - down to the ground, proving they don’t need humans to survive.
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Humans might be locked away but the mean streets of Sydney are free for the Australian white ibis to play.
While rats might be battling it out for scraps, the CBD’s infamous “bin chickens” are living their best lives in a city deserted of people, according to ecological experts.
Terrestrial Encologist at the Taronga Conservation Society Dr John Martin said despite less human food waste, ibis have adjusted “perfectly fine” amidst the pandemic.
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“It's not all about humans, the world isn’t all about us, birds like the ibis are getting along perfectly fine without us,” Dr Martin said.
“Ibis may have to change the time and energy budget they spend on food but on the flip side when there’s no humans in an area, they won’t be disturbed as much by the human presence. So they’re on holiday really.”
The key to the brainy bird’s pandemic survival is a mixed diet, allowing it to forage naturally for insects and worms or raid nearby landfill for food when there’s less rubbish available in the city.
While bin chooks might get a bad rap for their scavenger ways Dr Martin said Sydneysiders shouldn’t judge a bird by its scruffy feathers.
“(Ibis) have adapted to learn it can get food resources naturally and from humans… it’s a pretty phenomenal thing, when typically birds are shy and avoid people,” he said.
They don’t get the respect they deserve, we should be proud of them.”