PIED HERON

The Pied Heron is a medium-sized heron with distinctive dark grey and white plumage. Its head, neck, and upperparts are black, while its belly, chest, and underparts are white. It has a relatively short and stout bill, and its legs are black.

Adult Pied Herons typically have a length of about 46-55 cm and a wingspan of approximately 75-85 cm. The appearance is similar to the White-necked heron

The Pied Heron is native to a range of regions in Australasia, including northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea, and some nearby islands. It can be found in coastal and inland wetlands, swamps, and estuaries.

Pied Herons are known for their solitary hunting habits. They often stand still or move stealthily through shallow water, patiently waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Their diet primarily consists of fish, frogs, and aquatic invertebrates.

During the breeding season, Pied Herons construct nests in trees near water. These nests are often made from sticks and lined with softer materials. They lay clutch sizes of 2-3 eggs, and both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.

The call of the pied heron is a loud ‘awk’ or ‘ohrk’ in flight.