bin chicken
noun · casual
The Australian white ibis, a big white bird with a long curved beak.
How Aussies use it
- A bin chicken stole my sandwich in the park!
- There are always bin chickens near the food court.
How to pronounce ‘bin chicken’
Say it like this: BIN chik-in
‘bin chicken’ in a conversation
Tourist: What's that big white bird with the long beak?
Local: That's an ibis. We call it a bin chicken. Watch your lunch!
Good to know
A joking nickname, because these birds often search rubbish bins for food in cities. Many Australians are secretly fond of them.
Where you'll hear ‘bin chicken’
You'll hear 'bin chicken' in cities, especially in parks, near food courts and around outdoor cafés where ibises look for food. People say it with a laugh, and it often appears in jokes and memes.
How to reply or use it yourself
If someone warns you about a bin chicken, hold on to your food! You can use the nickname in casual chats, and say 'ibis' or 'white ibis' in more formal situations.
More examples
- A bin chicken was walking along the edge of the fountain.
- Keep your chips covered or the bin chickens will get them.
- My nephew drew a funny picture of a bin chicken.
🎧 Recorded with Australian AI voices (Bec and Davo from our Listening Room), so you hear a natural Aussie accent on every device.
A common mistake
It isn't a chicken. It's a wild bird, the white ibis, so please don't feed it.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use Australian white ibis instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Fill the gap
Which word goes in the gap?
Watch out! That ___ ___ wants your sandwich.
Show the answer
bin chicken
Quick check
What does ‘bin chicken’ mean?
- The Australian white ibis, a big white bird with a long curved beak.
- Bring your own. Usually means you can bring your own drinks to a restaurant or party.
- A cup of tea or coffee.
Show the answer
A. The Australian white ibis, a big white bird with a long curved beak.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'bin chicken' mean in Australia?
The Australian white ibis, a big white bird with a long curved beak. A joking nickname, because these birds often search rubbish bins for food in cities. Many Australians are secretly fond of them.
Can I say 'bin chicken' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'bin chicken' is fine in a chat at smoko or a casual message, but don't use it with clients, in formal emails, or in the PTE and IELTS writing tests.
How do you pronounce 'bin chicken'?
Say it like this: BIN chik-in. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'bin chicken'?
You'll hear 'bin chicken' in cities, especially in parks, near food courts and around outdoor cafés where ibises look for food. People say it with a laugh, and it often appears in jokes and memes.