Pacific reef heron

Description:

Medium-sized heron, about 57 to 66 cm in length. They have a wingspan of between 90 and 110 cm and reach an average weight of 400 grams. Short and yellow legs, brown beaks, gold-yellow coloured eyes. The species displays an unusual, non-sexual dimorphism, with some members having entirely white plumage and others (the larger portion) being charcoal-grey. The reason for the colour variation or "morph", is unknown, though it is most commonly thought to be related to camouflage.

Habitat:

Spotted during a walk day at Nusa Dua - Bali, reef area in a low tie. They are found in many areas of Asia including the oceanic region of India, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Polynesia, and in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.

Notes:

Their food sources are made up predominantly of varieties of ocean-based fish, crustaceans and molluscs. The species lay clutches of eggs year-round in colonies in the jungle, between palms and mangroves or in cavities of old buildings. Two to three paled greenish-blue eggs are laid in nests constructed from branches and blossoms. Males and females share brooding tasks. They normally have a 28-day brood period. After chicks are hatched, parents provide approximately 5 weeks of support. Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae Genus: Egretta Species: E. sacra