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Large, lanky, long-necked white heron.
Not listed
Indigenous: Baluun
At a glance
FamilyHerons, Egrets, and Bitterns
SizeGiant
RarityCommon
HabitatMarshes, estuaries, river edges, mangroves, mudflats, and shallow water.
Best timeReported across most months in Queensland, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Pere Josa
Range map
Range map
7208visible hotspots
379749visible records
6states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
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
Size 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.
Behavior
Bill color varies across range: always yellow in the Americas, black in breeding season elsewhere.
Gallery