Pacific Heron

1. Long white neck and head with black spots down the foreneck

2. Slate-grey to black body and wings with a white “shoulder” patch visible in flight

3. Black bill, legs, and feet

Pacific Herons are solitary or found in pairs, foraging by wading in shallow water or wet grass for fish, amphibians, crustaceans, insects, and occasionally small mammals or birds. They defend feeding territories and sometimes steal food from other birds. Breeding generally occurs from September to December, with nests built high in trees near water. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. The species is highly nomadic, moving in response to rainfall and water availability, and may breed whenever conditions are suitable.

Pacific Herons are widespread across mainland Australia, except for the most arid deserts. They frequent shallow freshwater wetlands, farm dams, flooded grasslands, claypans, and even roadside ditches. Their presence often increases dramatically after heavy rain, as they move opportunistically to newly available water sources. While uncommon in Tasmania and rare in some arid regions, they can be seen almost anywhere suitable habitat exists, including parts of Indonesia and New Guinea.