Great-billed Heron (Ardea sumatrana)

The Great-billed Heron stands out as one of the largest herons in Australia, with a body size of about 100 to 110 cm. Its sturdy build features a dark brown, stout bill that is paler at the base, along with dark brown plumage that lightens near the chest and legs. This heron has a unique rusty-brown coloring on its legs and lacks the typical head crest, hackles, or plumes seen in other heron species.

Its call is described as a penetrating, frightening sound that can be intimidating to those unfamiliar with it. The Great-billed Heron’s vocalizations consist of guttural roars and groans, which are often heard both day and night.

These birds are usually found along mangrove-fringed tidal channels of tropical Australia and occasionally venture upstream along large rivers.

Pacific (White-necked) Heron (Ardea pacifica)

The Pacific Heron, also known as the White-necked Heron, is notable for its striking white neck and head, which contrast against the dark brown back and wings that carry a sooty-blue sheen.

This heron has a prominent maroon patch on the shoulder, which is most visible during flight, likened to “headlights on a flying bird.” It has a dark bill and legs and is generally smaller than the Great-billed Heron, measuring around 76 to 107 cm in size.

During the non-breeding season, the plumage of the Pacific Heron appears reduced, and juveniles display a greyish neck with a more heavily spotted and speckled appearance. Found in moist pastures, floodwaters, and freshwater wetlands, the Pacific Heron’s voice is a harsh croak, a sound that sets it apart from other herons.

White-faced Heron (Ardea novaehollandiae)

The White-faced Heron is one of Australia’s most widespread heron species, recognized by its dark bill, which is paler at the base. Its face has a distinctive white patch, which gives this bird its name. Its upperparts and wings have a greyish hue, while the belly and flight feathers are pale grey. Adult White-faced Herons feature chestnut hackles on the lower neck, which add to their unique look.

This heron is adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including farm dams, wetlands, parklands, and intertidal flats. It’s also smaller, with an adult size of 60 to 70 cm. The juveniles of this species may have a faint wash on their plumage, particularly on the belly.

Known for its harsh croaks, the White-faced Heron is often seen perched on trees or posts, watching its surroundings.

Pied Heron (Ardea picata)

The Pied Heron is distinct with its striking dark blue-grey head and nuchal plumes, combined with a contrasting white neck. It is smaller than the other herons, measuring around 45 to 50 cm, and has a yellow bill and legs that complement its unique coloration. The body and wings of the Pied Heron are dark blue-grey, and it has white and blue-grey hackles on the lower neck.

During the non-breeding season, both the head and nuchal crest whiten, and the hackles are reduced. The Pied Heron is commonly found in habitats near coastal swamps, sewage works, rubbish tips, and intertidal flats, where it makes its signature harsh croaks. Its compact size and distinct markings make it easily recognizable, especially when roosting near water.

Herons and Similar Birds of Australia

Type	Appearance	Activity	Special Features	Example
Herons	Long neck, long legs, sharp bill	Diurnal	Known for patient hunting, standing motionless in water while waiting for fish or prey to come close; highly adaptable to various habitats, from freshwater wetlands to mangroves.	Great-billed Heron
Egrets	Slender, mostly white, graceful	Diurnal	Distinctive breeding plumes called “aigrettes” that emerge during mating season; these elegant feathers were historically sought for fashion; prefer shallow waters for wading and hunting.	Great Egret
Striated Heron	Short neck, compact, streaked	Crepuscular	Employs a unique baiting technique where it drops small objects on the water’s surface to lure fish closer; compact build makes it ideal for perching along water’s edge rather than wading.	Striated Heron
Night Herons	Stocky, short neck, large eyes	Nocturnal	Adapted to low-light hunting with large eyes that enhance night vision; often roost during the day in concealed areas, becoming active at dusk to hunt fish, insects, and small amphibians.	Black-crowned Night Heron
Bitterns	Stout, camouflaged, compact	Crepuscular/Nocturnal	Renowned for their camouflage and ability to “freeze” by extending their necks to blend into reeds; distinct deep, booming call during mating season; live in dense vegetation around wetlands.	Australasian Bittern

Herons stand as remarkable figures – each species contributing uniquely to its natural environment. From the stately Great-billed Heron, with its imposing presence, to the visually captivating Pied Heron, these Aussie animals embody the essence of Australia’s extraordinary avian biodiversity.

Their unique calls resonate through their habitats, and their distinctive plumage adds a splash of elegance to the landscape, while their specific habitat preferences highlight the ecological niches they occupy. For those with a keen interest in avian life or merely a curiosity about the wonders of Australian nature, these herons offer a glimpse into the continent’s wildlife.

Whether observed as they glide gracefully over the wetlands or as they forage along the coastal stretches, these herons are indeed a sight – and sound – to behold.