As one of Australia’s most common herons, the white-faced heron is found both in fresh and saltwater environments throughout Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

These birds forage for food using a variety of methods, such as slowly stalking prey on land or disturbing shallow waters and sea meadows with their feet.

The white-faced heron is highly adaptable- it is found essentially wherever there is shallow water – sea grass beds, reefs, saltpans, rocky shore, lakes, even ditches, golf courses, and gardens.

These herons, which feed on fish, insects and amphibians have diverse hunting styles. These include slowly stalking prey, to chasing after them, to foot stirring and raking. This last is essentially like fishing- the heron disturbs the water, drawing out their prey and then grabs them with their foot or beak

Interesting Fact

White-faced herons lay blue eggs!