ExploreBirds

White-faced Heron

Egretta novaehollandiae

The White-faced Heron is a tall bird with long legs and a beautiful gray body. It loves to stand near water, looking for fish and frogs to eat. You can often see it wading in shallow ponds or along the coast.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The White-faced Heron is a medium-sized, slender bird with a distinctive white face and neck, contrasting with its slate-grey body. It has yellow legs and a long, pointed dark bill. This unique white face makes it easily distinguishable from other grey herons.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyArdeidaeGenusEgretta
White-faced Heron
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White-faced Heron

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A White-faced Heron might shiver its bill in the water to attract curious fish!

Their call is a harsh, guttural croak, quite different from a melodic song.

Their feathers are covered in a special powder, keeping them waterproof for hunting!

Young herons don't have the white face yet; they appear all grey until they mature.

Special abilities

Ability

Water Stirrer

White-faced Herons can stir the water with their feet to flush out hidden fish, making them easier to catch.

Ability

Lightning Strike

White-faced Herons have a lightning-fast neck strike to spear or grab their prey with incredible precision.

Ability

Glare Shield

White-faced Herons can sometimes hunt with their wings partly open, creating shade to reduce water glare.

Measurements & details

Length
60-70 cm
Wingspan
100-110 cm
Weight
0.4-0.6 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
22-26 days

Diet & Feeding

They primarily eat small aquatic creatures like fish and frogs, caught with a quick strike.

Primary Foods

  • fish
  • frogs
  • insects
  • crustaceans
  • worms

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Mosquitofish

Gambusia affinis

Often preys on this invasive fish in various waterways.

hunts

Growling Grass Frog

Litoria raniformis

Catches various frog species from the water's edge.

hunts

Common Yabby

Cherax destructor

Feeds on freshwater crustaceans like this yabby.

eaten by

Wedge-tailed Eagle

Aquila audax

Large raptors can sometimes prey on young herons or eggs.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is White-faced Heron?

60-70 cm

What is White-faced Heron's wingspan?

100-110 cm

How much does White-faced Heron weigh?

0.4-0.6 kg

How long does White-faced Heron live?

10-15 years

How fast can White-faced Heron move?

50 km/h

What does White-faced Heron eat?

They primarily eat small aquatic creatures like fish and frogs, caught with a quick strike.

Where is White-faced Heron usually found?

Coastal areas

How does White-faced Heron hunt?

Ambush

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Where to spot

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