Great-billed Heron — Australian Bird Identification Guide

Bird guideGreat-billed Heron

Typically restricted to the coast, where it inhabits mangroves, lagoons, and offshore islands, but infrequently seen inland.

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⚠️Not listed

At a glance

FamilyHerons, Egrets, and Bitterns

SizeGiant

RarityUncommon

HabitatTypically restricted to the coast, where it inhabits mangroves, lagoons, and offshore islands, but infrequently seen inland.

Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from July to November.

Sounds

Sound sample

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Recorded by Joan Theng

Range map

Occurrence window

452visible hotspots

4975visible records

3states

Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

Large plain heron. Dark gray overall with a paler, more brownish neck. Lacks the black head and neck markings of the slightly smaller Gray Heron.

Behavior

Tends to be solitary, only rarely seen in small flocks. Rather vocal for a heron, often giving a deep, horrifically resonant roar when flushed or on the nest.

Gallery

Regional timing

Northern Territory

Peak: July to September1,600 records

Queensland

Peak: July to November2,986 records

Western Australia

Peak: June to September331 records

Commonly confused with

Great EgretArdea albaSize and black legs help separate from other egrets. Widespread and fairly common across the globe. Often seen singly, but sometimes gathers in large numbers where food is plentiful. Breeds in colonies, frequently mixed with other egrets and herons.→