Learn what every symbol on the card means.Full credits and sources at beakbrain.com/symbols
WetlandPlatform nestLarge · 559 g
ID tip
The adult white-faced heron is medium-sized for the family and mostly pale blue-grey. The forehead, crown, chin and upper throat are white. The crown pattern is variable, with the white occasionally spreading down the neck; the variability makes identification of individuals possible. The iris may be grey, green, dull yellow or cinnamon. The regions between the eye and bill on the side of the head (lores) are black. The beak is black and often pale grey at the base. Voice: The most common call of the white-faced heron is a gravelly croak or gobble, graak or graaw and is typically given in flight, in interactions or in aggressive encounters. Another call, gow, gow, gow is typically given upon returning to a nest. High pitched wrank, oooooooooh or aaarrrgh calls are given as alarm calls.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the White-faced Heron
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is January, the month with the most records.
Where to see the White-faced Heron
The map shades 9 countries with regular records, and 3 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Japan, Belgium, Wallis & Futuna.
About the White-faced Heron
The white-faced heron also known as the white-fronted heron, and incorrectly as the grey heron, or blue crane, is a common bird throughout most of Australasia, including New Guinea, the islands of Torres Strait, Indonesia, New Zealand, and all but the driest areas of Australia.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Reddish EgretEgretta rufescensThis species reaches 68–82 cm (27–32 in) in length, with a 116–125 cm (46–49 in) wingspan.
Pacific Reef HeronEgretta sacraPacific reef herons are medium-sized herons, reaching 57 to 66 cm (22 to 26 in) in length.
Western Reef HeronEgretta gularisThis bird has two plumage colour forms.
Side by side: Little Blue Heron vs White-faced Heron · Tricolored Heron vs White-faced Heron · White-faced Heron vs Yellow-crowned Night Heron · Reddish Egret vs White-faced Heron · Pacific Reef Heron vs White-faced Heron · Western Reef Heron vs White-faced Heron
Learn the White-faced Heron in the BeakBrain App
Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Play today's Daily BirdEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.