Egretta novaehollandiae

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Family

Ardeidae

Genus

Egretta

Species

novaehollandiae

Common Names

White-faced Heron, Blue Crane, Matuka, White-fronted Heron

Distinguishing Features

A fairly small heron at 66-69cm in size, this species isblue-grey in colour, with long legs, a long neck and a long bill. Its face is white, its bill grey and its legs are yellow. During the breeding season, pale brown feathers appear at the base of the neck and on the back. Young birds lack the white face and brown feathers.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A croaking 'graaw' or grunting 'urgk-urg-urgh', or a high-pitched 'wrank' alarm.

Similar Species

The White-necked Heron (Ardea pacifica) is larger, with darker plumage and a white face, neck and underbody.

Distribution

This species is found right across Australia and surrounding islands, including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

The population numbers have fluctuated but appear to be rising (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999. This is probably the most common and best-known heron in Australia.

LSCCES Population

Four seasonal sightings were made at Civic West on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. The species is also known to occur along Sullivans Creek on the ANU campus.

Associated vegetation community

This species is usually found in shallow wetlands or swamps, dams and lakes. They will also inhabit salty water estuaries, mangroves and beaches. Their numbers have increased due to the favourable conditions produced from open pastures, irrigation and farm dams.

Limiting Resources

A good source of water is essential for breeding and the best seasons only come after a flooding rainfall event, as they will only breed when water levels around wetlands are extremely high. Tall trees for nesting in are also necessary.

Breeding

The White-faced Heron breeds from September to December and both parents share nesting tasks. Breeding pairs choose a fork of braches high in a tall tree, up to 3 km from a good waterbody. Their nest is a flimsy compilation of sticks, about 40cm in diameter. Usually 3-4 light blue-green eggs are laid and incubated for about 24 days, with young flying from the nest after 40-45 days. In areas of flood and abundant food, nesting may become colonial, as all birds cram together to share nesting resources.

Behaviour

They are fairly vocal birds, calling at their nest, when landing at their roost, while courting, contacting others or in alarm. Birds usually fly singularly, with their heads tucked in and with steady wing-beats. When food and water is abundant the birds will merge in large colonies. When feeding, they walk through the shallows, patiently waiting to dart forwards to spear its prey. They can be seen perched on fences, dead trees and telephone posts.

Functional Group

Omnivore

Food Species

The diet of the White-faced Heron is extremely varied, as they will eat almost any small amimal, especially small fish, amphibians and aquatic insects.

Predators

The eggs and young birds of this species may be vulnerable to attack from Black Rats (Rattus Rattus) and Swamp Harriers (Circus aeruginosus).

Interesting Fact

This Heron can dart forward to fish at a tremendous pace, catching a fish in an instant. This movement is due to a special hinge mechanism in one of their neck vertebra.