Pied Heron

The species was originally described by ornithologist John Gould in 1845. Recent taxonomists put this species in the genus Egretta. It is a small heron, 43–55 cm (17–22 in) long, with dark slaty wings, body, and crested head, with a white throat and neck. The appearance is similar to the white-necked heron. Males (247–280 g (8.7–9.9 oz)) are heavier than females (225–242 g (7.9–8.5 oz)). Immature birds lack the crest as well as the dark colouring on the head and may look like small versions of the white-necked heron. (Wikipedia, general species account).

The pied heron (Egretta picata), also known as the pied egret is a bird found in coastal and subcoastal areas of monsoonal northern Australia as well as some parts of Wallacea and New Guinea. Its habitat mainly comprises a range of wetlands and wet grasslands. Soft cooing is given around the nest. Insects are the most important source of food. It may feed alone or in groups of up to a thousand individuals. (Wikipedia, general species account).