Nankeen Night Heron

The Nankeen Night Heron, Nycticorax caledonicus, is a medium-sized heron with a distinctive reddish-brown plumage, known also as the Rufous Night Heron. Adults measure between 55 to 65 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 95 to 105 cm. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being slightly smaller than males.

Identification Tips

This heron can be identified by its rich cinnamon upperparts contrasting with white underparts. It has a heavy black bill, roughly the length of its head, and during the breeding season, adults sport two or three slender, white plumes tipped with black from the crown. The legs and feet are typically creamy yellow, turning bright pink during courtship.

Habitat

The Nankeen Night Heron is found in a variety of habitats including forests, meadows, shores, reefs, marshes, grasslands, and swamps. It prefers areas with emergent vegetation near permanent water sources.

Distribution

Widely distributed across Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Java, New Caledonia, Palau, and the Caroline Islands, this heron is native to Australia but absent or rare in the west.

Behaviour

Primarily nocturnal, the Nankeen Night Heron roosts during the day in dense foliage and is most active from dusk till dawn. It exhibits partial migratory behavior in Australia, moving in response to winter and environmental changes such as floods.

Song & Calls

The male's call is a deep "qu-arck" upon leaving the roost, while females and juveniles emit a higher-pitched "qu-ook." Disturbed birds may produce a short "quock," and in flight, a hoarse "quok" can be heard. Chicks beg with a "kak-kakkak" call and emit a high-pitched screech when alarmed.

Breeding

Breeding occurs year-round, peaking from October to May in Australia. The heron nests in dense trees within mixed-species colonies, constructing nests from sticks. Both parents incubate the pale green-blue eggs and care for the altricial young, which fledge around six to seven weeks of age.

Similar Species

The Nankeen Night Heron can be confused with other herons, but its distinctive coloration and nocturnal habits set it apart.

Diet and Feeding

Its diet consists mainly of aquatic creatures such as freshwater invertebrates, crayfish, sea turtle hatchlings, crabs, and various fish species. During breeding, they may forage during the day to feed their young.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Nankeen Night Heron as Least Concern due to its stable population size, large range, and lack of significant declining trends.