Nankeen Night Heron
Nycticorax caledonicus
Family: Ardeidae
In trees, Nepean River, Penrith, 19th Oct 2006
© 2006 Mike Simpson
Photo provided by Frank Carver
© 2005 Frank Carver
Photo provided by Frank Carver
© 2005 Frank Carver
Status: Common, but nocturnal so not often seen
The Nankeen Night Heron is a most attractive looking Heron, however they are not often seen as they are mainly nocturnal birds. As such, they are also difficult to obtain photographs of. Frank was lucky in coming across this one on a quay in the middle of the day, the bird appeared confused by all the daylight and was kind enough to stand there while he took the photographs. I eventually managed to find one here in Penrith and that is the top photo.
Size: 56-64 cm
Nesting Ecology: Sept-Feb in colonies in nests of sticks over water.
Australian Distribution: Found over much of Australia in suitable habitat, apart from the western desert regions. Uncommon Tas.
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