Police launched an investigation after numerous reports a man allegedly captured an ibis bird outside Eastwood Railway station in the city’s northwestern suburbs on Tuesday.

It is alleged a 60-year-old man tied a rope around the bird’s feet and neck before trying to place it into a wheeled trolley bag.

Members of the public intervened and managed to save the bird, which was reported to have a damaged beak and was bleeding.

It’s understood the bird flew away prior to the arrival of police and WIRES officers.

The man was arrested from a home in Beauchamp Rd, Maroubra about 9.30pm Friday.

He was taken to Maroubra Police Station where he was charged with two counts of harm or attempted harm and committing an act of cruelty on an animal.

He was denied bail and will appear in the Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.

What is a bin chicken?

The white Australian Ibis, sometimes referred to as a bin chicken, is a protected species under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act.

They have become better known by their affectionate nickname the “bin chicken” due to the fact they are often found picking through rubbish bins.

The iconic native bird as been proposed as a strong contender for the Australian mascot for the 2032 Olympic Games due to be hosted in Brisbane.

Queensland Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe threw his support behind the idea in early 2022.

Are ibis’ a protected species?

Under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, ibis burds cannot be harmed or interfered with.

It is an offence to do so.