Pied Heron

The Pied Heron (Ardea picata), also known as the Pied Egret is a bird found in coastal and subcoastal areas of monsoonal northern Australia as well as some parts of Wallacea and New Guinea.

Taxonomy

The species was originally described by ornithologist John Gould in 1845.

There are no recognised subspecies.

Description

It is a small heron, 43–55 cm long, with dark slaty wings, body, and crested head, with a white throat and neck. The appearance is similar to the White-necked Heron.

Immature birds lack the crest as well as the dark colouring on the head and may look like small versions of the White-necked Heron. The juveniles were once classified as a separate species.

Distribution and habitat

Its habitat mainly comprises a range of wetlands and wet grasslands.

Behaviour

Call

The call of the Pied Heron is a loud 'awk' or 'ohrk' in flight.

Breeding

Breeding takes place from February to May. It nests in trees above the water,...
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