Common Name: Nankeen Night Heron

Distribution: Ranges throughout much of Australia, except the arid interior. It is also found in Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Melanesia.

Ecological Notes: The species can be observed around freshwater rivers, lakes, bulrushes, estuaries, harbours and in residential fishponds hunting for goldfish. Whilst its common name would indicate that it is a nocturnal hunter it is not strictly nocturnal, often feeding during the day. Dietary items small fish, reptiles, insects and occasionally bird eggs.

Additional Notes: The species is a solitary hunter, but also can be  gregarious, forming small colonies especially if food is scarce.

References: eBird Australia at https://ebird.org/australia/species/runher1/AU-NSW-LIT Accessed 14 August 2023.

Birds in Backyards at https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Nycticorax-caledonicus Accessed 24 July 2023.