Medium-sized heron with cinnamon-brown plumage. Red eyes, black cap on the head, yellow legs.
HABITAT
Found in wetlands, mangroves, estuaries, and riverbanks. Both coastal and inland habitats.
BEHAVIOUR
Nocturnal hunter.
Solitary or in small groups.
Patient and stealthy approach to hunting.
BREEDING
Colonial nesters.
Nests in trees, shrubs, or reed beds.
2-4 eggs, incubation by both parents.
FEEDING BEHAVIOUR
Diet includes fish, crustaceans, insects, and amphibians.
They use their sharp bills to snatch prey, and their nocturnal habits gives them an advantage in capturing unsuspecting prey under cover of darkness.
INTERESTING FACTS
Juvenile Nankeen Night Heron
Photography by Fir002 from Wikipedia
Found in Australia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and southwestern Pacific islands.
“Nankeen” refers to the pale-yellow colour of their plumage.
Not globally threatened, but susceptible to habitat loss.
Distinctive booming “wok” call during the breeding season.
There has been a recent sighting of the ‘Nankeen NightHeron’ near the ‘Witches Garden’ in the Mitta Valley.