White-Faced Heron

The White-faced Heron is one of Australia's most familiar waterbirds and can be found in an impressive variety of habitats. I was surprised to see this Heron intently walking along a tree branch, as I mostly see them walking on the ground or wading in shallow water. 

Physical Appearance

The White-faced Heron is mostly light blue-grey, with a distinctive white face, long yellowish legs and a long, slender neck. Males and females look very similar. During the breeding season, adults develop long, elegant feathers on the head, neck and back known as nuptial plumes. Young birds are generally duller and have little or no white on the face.

Habitat

The White-faced Heron is Australia's most commonly seen heron and is found throughout mainland Australia and Tasmania. It can live almost anywhere there is suitable water, including tidal mudflats, coastal reefs, estuaries, saltmarshes, swamps, rivers, farm dams, pastures and urban gardens.

Behaviour

Adaptable feeder: White-faced Herons use several different techniques to find food. They may stand still and watch for movement, slowly stalk through shallow water, walk or run after prey, or stir the water with their feet to disturb hidden animals.
Diet: Their diet is varied and includes fish, insects, amphibians, crustaceans and worms. They can also search through damp crevices and vegetation for food.
Solitary foragers: They are often seen alone, particularly when searching for food, although they can sometimes gather in larger groups where food is plentiful.

Breeding

Nesting: White-faced Herons build untidy nests made from sticks, usually in trees. Both the male and female help build the nest, incubate the eggs and care for the young.
Breeding period: Breeding usually occurs from October to December, although they may breed at other times of the year when rainfall creates favourable conditions. They normally raise one brood per year.