Egretta picata

(Gould, 1845)

Vernacular names
English : Pied heron
French : Aigrette pie

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Ardeidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 55 cm in length for a weight of 372 g. Unmistakable species when adult. Slate-black to dark blue crown, upper face, wings, nape, back and tail. Rest of plumage white. Long yellow bill, yellow-orange legs.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Australasia, from central Indonesia (breeding on Sulawesi) to New Guinea and Australia (breeds in northern Australia). Often occurs near coasts, in swamps, mangroves, grasslands, farmland.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is safe so far and can be abundant, especially in northern Australia. Threatened locally by loss or destruction of its habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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