Intermediate Egret

Images ©:
Bob Winters | Bob Winters

Ardea intermedia

Large bird, up to 70 cm. Overall plumage is white and for most of the year (when not breeding) the bill and facial skin are yellow. Feet and legs are dark. During the breeding season the bill turns reddish or black, they have greenish yellow gape skin, loose filamentous plumes on their breast and back, and dull yellow or pink on their upper legs The sexes are similar.

Details
Type
Bird
Group
Animals
Egret
Biology

Clutch size is two to five. It often nests in colonies with other herons. The nest is a large platform of sticks placed in a tree or shrub over water. Roosts in trees near water, often in groups.
Distinctive Markings

Smaller than the Eastern Great Egret. It differs from the Eastern Great Egret, as its neck length is a little less than body length, has a slightly domed head and a shorter, thicker bill.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Ciconiiformes
Family
Ardeidae
Genus
Ardea
Species
intermedia

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

The Intermediate Egret often forms breeding colonies with other species of herons.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Carnivore. Feeds on fish, frogs, crustaceans and insects. It stalks its prey in shallow water.
Habitat

Found in freshwater wetlands.
Native Status
Native to Australia