White-necked Heron

The White-necked Heron, or Pacific Heron (Ardea pacifica), is a stately waterbird of considerable size, with adults ranging from 76 to 106 cm in length, boasting a wingspan of 147 to 160 cm, and weighing around 860 grams. Its plumage is predominantly slate-grey to black, accented with distinctive black spots at the center of the lower fore-neck and throat. During the breeding season, one can observe the plum-coloured nuptial plumes adorning its back and breast. The heron's bill is a stark black, while the facial skin may present as blue or yellow. Its eyes are a vivid green, and both legs and feet are black. This bird is equipped with an elongated neck and beak, perfectly adapted for snatching up its aquatic prey.

Identification Tips

In non-breeding adults, the head and most of the neck are white, with the black spots on the neck becoming visible. The downy young are characterized by longer down, particularly on the crown, and a white head and neck, with the upperparts and upper wing being light grey-brown. Juveniles display a broad strip of grey-black running down the front of the neck, with the head and neck often tinged brownish-grey. As they mature, the adult feathers replace the worn juvenile ones.

Habitat

The White-necked Heron is a versatile inhabitant of wetlands, tidal areas, shallow fresh waters, farm dams, claypans, pastures, and even roadside ditches where runoff water accumulates.

Distribution

This heron is widespread across the Australian continent, venturing into parts of Indonesia and New Guinea. However, it is uncommon in Tasmania and absent from certain arid regions of Western Australia, South Australia, and several deserts.

Behaviour

A rather reclusive species, the White-necked Heron prefers open areas where it can maintain a vigilant watch over its surroundings. It is typically observed foraging alone or in pairs, vigorously defending its feeding territories. This bird is known to exhibit irruptive movements, soaring between 30 to 100 meters high to find new water sources when necessary.

Breeding

The breeding architecture of this heron consists of a bulky nest made from twigs and sticks, often situated 15 to 30 meters above the ground. Males engage in elaborate displays and calls during the breeding season, which occurs from September to January. The species is presumed to be monogamous, with both parents sharing incubation duties for the light blue-green eggs over a period of 30 days. Chicks are shaded by their parents and take their first flights at about 6 to 7 weeks of age.

Diet and Feeding

An opportunistic feeder, the White-necked Heron's diet encompasses a variety of aquatic and terrestrial prey, including freshwater mussels, fish, shrimp, crayfish, insects, lizards, and even young ducklings and rodents. The young are fed regurgitated tadpoles and may exhibit competitive behavior for food.

Conservation status

The White-necked Heron is classified as Least Concern, indicating a stable population across its range in Australia.