| White-faced Heron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Pelecaniformes |
| Family: | Ardeidae |
| Genus: | Ardea |
| Species: | Ardea novaehollandiae |
The White-faced Heron (Ardea novaehollandiae) is a member of the family Ardeidae. White-faced Herons breed across the southern Asia-Pacific Region, including Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands and New Zealand.
Appearance[]
The White-faced Heron is a slim bluish-gray heron with white face, chin and upper throat. The bill is slaty blue or black and it's legs are greenish-yellow. The bird reaches from 60-70 cm in height and typically weighs up to 550 g.
Habits[]
It can be found almost anywhere near shallow water, fresh or salt, and although it is prompt to depart the scene on long, slow-beating wings if disturbed, it will boldly raid suburban fish ponds.
Nesting[]
Breeding takes place in the spring, mostly in southern Australia, and birds disperse for long distances at other times of year. The nest is an untidy shallow bowl, made of sticks and usually placed on a leafy branch.