White-Faced Heron

The white-faced heron is Australia's commonest species of heron. Despite its name, it is actually a grey-coloured species of egret. As its name suggests, it has a white face. This bird previously was considered to have 4 subspecies, but these are now not recognised. The adult is relatively small and pale blue-grey. Its forehead, chin, crown and upper throat are all white. The colour of the iris is variable- it may be grey, green, dull yellow or even cinnamon. Its bill and lores are black. During the breeding season adults grow pinkish-brown or bronze plumes on the foreneck and breast, with blue-grey plumes on their backs. The white-faced heron is found through most of Australasia, eastern Indonesia, New Caledonia and New Zealand, where it has self-introduced itself. Although it is now resident on Christmas Island, it hasn't been recorded breeding there yet. It is found in all but the driest parts of Australia. Its most common call is a gravelly croak. Generally it breeds in the spring, but it may breed at other times after rainfall. Kookaburras, Australian magpies, harriers and owls may eat its nestlings. 3-5 pale blue eggs are laid. White-faced herons eat most small aquatic creatures like frogs, fish and small reptiles. They may also be found feeding on garden worms in damp areas. It often stands still and waits for its prey, but may also stalk its prey or even chase it down with wings open. They are generally territorial when breeding, but may feed in groups during the non-breeding season. Well, enough of that, everything else you have to know is this is a heron from Afton Street Conservation Preserve who cooperated with me!

The following photo is of another heron (possibly the same individual?) perching further away from me on the rocks at one of the wetland ponds.

Enjoy these photos and I hope that you see a white-faced heron one day!