Pacific Reef Heron
Eastern Reef Heron | |
---|---|
Light morph | |
Conservation status | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Pelecaniformes |
Family: | Ardeidae |
Genus: | Egretta |
Species: | E. sacra |
Binomial name | |
Egretta sacra (Gmelin, 1789) | |
The Eastern Reef Heron (Egretta sacra), also known as the Pacific Reef Egret or Eastern Reef Egret, is a kind of heron. They are found in many areas of Asia including the oceanic region of India, Southeast Asia, Japan, Polynesia, and in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.
Pacific Reef Herons are medium-sized herons, reaching 57 to 66 centimeters in length. They have a wingspan of between 90 and 110 centimeters and reach an average weight of 400 grams.
The species displays an unusual, non-sexual dimorphism, with some members having entirely white plumage and others (the larger portion) being charcoal-grey. The reason for the color variation or "morph," is unknown, though it is most commonly thought to be related to camouflage.
Their food sources are made up predominantly of varieties of ocean-based fish, crustaceans and molluscs.
The species lay clutches of eggs year round in colonies in the jungle, between palms and mangroves or in cavities of old buildings. Two to three paled greenish-blue eggs are laid in nests constructed from branches and blossoms. Males and females share brooding tasks. They normally have a 28-day brood period. After chicks are hatched, parents provide approximately 5 weeks of support.
References
- ↑ BirdLife International (2012). "Egretta sacra". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
- Riffreiher from the German-language Wikipedia. Retrieved April 6, 2006, and containing the internal reference:
- 1974: Bruce Campbell "The Dictionary of Birds in Colour", George Rainbird Ltd., London.