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White-necked Heron

(Ardea pacifica)
Alternative names: "Pacific Heron", "White-necked Crane"
Size: 75 cm - 1.05 m

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

White-necked Herons are found over most of the Australian continent including Tasmania, with the exception of the most arid parts of the interior of the continent, i.e. the eastern half of WA, the western half of SA and the south-eastern corner of the NT. On the fringes of their range towards the arid interior they are present only when there is sufficient surface water, normally after major rainfall events.

White-necked Herons are only found in freshwater shallows, along rivers and around lakes and farm dams, but also in floodwaters (e.g. ditches or flooded paddocks).

Sightings

No need to go far for seeing a White-necked Heron; there are plenty along water edges almost all through the Australian continent. Seen by us around natural waters as well as artificial structures, such as dams. They are regularly found in the area of Narrabri, NSW.

Photos

Lateral view of a White-necked Heron in breeding plumage

White-necked Heron launching itself off a dead branch

White-necked Heron gaining height

Soaring White-necked Heron from below

A whole array of aquatic birds hunting/foraging in O'Brien's Creek at Narrabri, NSW: three White-necked Herons (of which two, on the left and right, are in non-breeding plumage while the one near the centre is an immature bird), two Australian White Ibis in breeding plumage, two Great Egrets, one Purple Swamphen, one Dusky Moorhen and two Pacific Black Ducks

Lateral view of an immature White-necked Heron

Lateral view of an immature White-necked Heron in flight

Juvenile White-necked Heron

Food

All egrets and herons prey on aquatic creatures in fresh water or estuaries (fish, frogs, snakes or crustaceans). We are not aware of any specialisation of White-necked Herons.