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Stocky heron that roosts in groups in tall trees, usually beside water (including mangroves).
Not listed
Indigenous: Ngalgurrg, Gandawadjirrig, Garkunydja', A-Garkgunyjah, Galgarawk, Dhaarrin.Gaarrin, Mardban.Garr, Garkgunyjah, Crane, Nankeen Night Heron, Nankeen Crane
At a glance
FamilyHerons, Egrets, and Bitterns
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatMarshes, estuaries, river edges, mangroves, mudflats, and shallow water.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from December to March.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Marc Anderson
Range map
Range map
4812visible hotspots
95763visible 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
Adult is rufous with pale breast and a black cap. Immature is heavy streaked, and can be easily confused with Striated Heron (black crown), Black Bittern (darker, with yellow neck stripe), or Australasian Bittern (which is a much larger bird).
Behavior
Stocky heron that roosts in groups in tall trees, usually beside water (including mangroves).
Gallery