White-faced Heron

Egretta novaehollandiae

The White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) is a medium-sized heron found in Australia, New Zealand, and nearby islands. It has a distinctive white face, neck, and underparts, with slate-grey upperparts and long legs. This adaptable bird can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, estuaries, grasslands, and urban areas. It is a solitary feeder, hunting for fish, insects, and small vertebrates in shallow water. The White-faced Heron is known for its stealthy hunting behavior, standing motionless for long periods before striking at its prey with precision. It is not currently considered to be at risk and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Habitat: Wetlands, estuaries, grasslands, urban areas