Nankeen Night Heron
Hastie’s Swamp, October 2021
This bird was asleep for hours in the same spot. They are mostly nocturnal and roost in trees during the day to sleep.
They live in varied habitats but do like swamps. Both sexes look alike and have the dark black crown and bill. When they are breeding they have 2 to 3 long white nuptial plumes that project from their nape.
Hastie’s Swamp, October 2021
The eyes are yellow with green facial skin that turns bluish when breeding. Their upperparts are chestnut brown. Underparts are creamy white.
Hastie’s Swamp, October 2021
Legs are a greenish yellow. They feed on fish and aquatic prey.
Hastie’s Swamp, November 2022
Immature birds have a black cap. Over all colour is brown that is streaked and spotted white.
