White-faced Heron

Images ©:

White-faced Heron - The State of Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries/McCann | White-faced Heron - The State of Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries/McCann | White-faced Heron - Bob Winters | White-faced Heron - Bob Winters | White-faced Heron - Bob Winters

Egretta novaehollandiae

Light blue-grey with a white face. Adults have long, yellow legs. Juveniles have long, greenish-yellow legs and less white on the face. Small heron 650-680 mm.

Details
Type
Bird
Group
Animals
Heron
Biology

Breeding season mainly October to December. May breed outside this season in response to rainfall. Both sexes share incubation of eggs and care of young. Builds nest in tall trees. Female lays 3 to 5 pale blue eggs. Incubation period 21-24 days. Young fly 40-45 days. Normally nomadic.
Distinctive Markings

Rufous grey plumes on lower neck and upper breast with a characteristic white face.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Ciconiiformes
Family
Ardeidae
Genus
Egretta
Species
novaehollandiae
Found throughout mainland Australia and Tasmania, as well as many coastal islands. Also found in New Guinea, New Caledonia and New Zealand.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

When breeding White-faced Herons have long nuptial plumes on the head, neck and back.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Carnivore. Small, aquatic creatures including fish, insects and amphibians.
Habitat

Sea coasts, marshes, lakes, flooded fields. Lowlands to 1500 m.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Audio
Sounds
Harsh croak or gobble. "Urrrk, urrrk - urrk". "Arrgh arrrgh, arrrgh graaow".