Great-billed Heron

Overview

The great-billed heron (Ardea sumatrana) is a large wading bird classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is a resident species spanning from southeast Asia to Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Identification

• A large bird, typically standing 115 cm tall and weighing up to 2.6 kg, resembling the purple heron but darker in appearance.
• Plumage is largely dark grey above, with a uniform dark grey upperwing visible in flight.
• Flight is slow with the neck retracted, distinguishing it from storks, cranes and spoonbills.
• Possesses a long, sharp bill.

Habitat

Native to coastal Southern Asia and Australasia, including Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It primarily inhabits islands, coral reefs, mangroves, and large rivers, though it occasionally occurs inland in shallow ponds. It is recognised as native to Queensland, Australia.

Diet

Feeds on fish in shallow water by using its long, sharp bill to spear prey. It forages by waiting motionless for prey or slowly stalking its victim.