Great-billed Heron

The great-billed heron, Ardea sumatrana, stands as a majestic figure among wading birds, with a stature reaching 115 cm (45 in) tall and a weight tipping the scales at up to 2.6 kg (5.7 lb). This species boasts a larger size and a darker hue compared to its relative, the purple heron. Its plumage is predominantly dark grey above, presenting an impressive silhouette.

Identification Tips

In flight, the great-billed heron exhibits a uniform dark grey upperwing, a feature that aids in its identification. The bird's flight is notably slow, and it retracts its neck, a behavior that sets it apart from storks, cranes, and spoonbills, which extend their necks during flight.

Habitat

The great-billed heron favors coastal environments, making its home among islands, coral reefs, mangroves, and along large rivers. On occasion, this bird may venture inland to shallow ponds, expanding its typical coastal domain.

Distribution

With a vast range, the great-billed heron graces much of coastal Southern Asia and Australasia. Its presence is noted from the shores of Australia to the diverse landscapes of India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Behaviour

This heron is a master of stillness and precision, often remaining motionless as it awaits its prey or moving with deliberate stealth as it stalks. It hunts in shallow waters, using its long, sharp bill to spear fish with remarkable accuracy.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the great-billed heron is primarily composed of fish, which it skillfully captures with its specialized bill in the shallow waters of its coastal habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the great-billed heron as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face an immediate threat of extinction in the wild.