White-Faced Heron
Egretta novaehollandiae
Aves › Pelecaniformes › Ardeidae › Egretta
Conservation status: least_concern
The white-faced heron also known as the white-fronted heron, and incorrectly as the grey heron, or blue crane, is a common bird throughout most of Australasia, including New Guinea, the islands of Torres Strait, Indonesia, New Zealand, and all but the driest areas of Australia.
How To Identify
It is a medium-sized heron with predominantly brilliant white plumage covering the body and wings. The head, long neck, legs, and bill are generally slate-gray or bluish-gray.
Habitat
It inhabits shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands, coastal areas, rice paddies, and urban waterways across Australia, New Zealand, and parts of southern Asia.
Behaviour
The White-Faced Heron employs a distinctive hunting technique by standing motionless or walking slowly through shallow water before striking at prey with rapid precision.
Did You Know?
It is the only heron recorded breeding in Tasmania.
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