Pacific Reef Heron
A species of Typical Egrets, Also known as Eastern Reef Heron Scientific name : Egretta sacra Genus : Typical Egrets
Pacific Reef Heron, A species of Typical Egrets
Also known as:
Eastern Reef Heron
Botanical name: Egretta sacra
Genus: Typical Egrets
Content
Description General Info
Description
Pacific reef herons are medium-sized herons, reaching 57 to 66 cm in length. They have a wingspan of between 90 and 110 cm and reach an average weight of 400 grams. The species displays an unusual, non-sexual dimorphism, with some members having entirely white plumage ('light' morph) and others (the larger portion) being charcoal-grey ('dark' morph). The reason for the colour variation or "morph", is unknown, though it is most commonly thought to be related to camouflage. The plumage of immature herons tends to be browner and duller in colour. Pacific reef herons have very short, yellow legs, and the grey variety's throats and chins are marked by a narrow, white stripe. They have brown beaks, gold-yellow coloured eyes and the surrounding areas of their faces are normally of a greenish to yellow cast. 
Size
66 cm
Colors
Gray
White
Life Expectancy
9 years
Feeding Habits
Pacific Reef Heron primarily consumes oceanic fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, employing unique foraging techniques suited to its coastal habitat. Their feeding behavior consists of methodical hunting, often during low tide, to take advantage of stranded prey.
Habitat
The pacific Reef Heron primarily inhabits coastal areas, favoring rocky shores, coral reefs, and offshore islands, as well as frequenting estuaries, mangroves, mudflats, and occasionally sandy beaches. Broadly found across southern Asia and Oceania, the pacific Reef Heron inhabits regions from Australia to Micronesia and western Polynesia. It may also occupy less conventional areas such as fields, freshwater marshes, rice paddies, and even garbage dumps. While preferring proximity to the sea, pacific Reef Heron can sometimes be found inland along rivers and up to 400 meters above sea level, rarely venturing far from marine environments.
Dite type
Piscivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
The Pacific reef heron is widely distributed across southern Asia and Oceania. In Australia, Pacific reef herons inhabits most of the coastline, and offshore islands including the Torres Strait Islands. Pacific reef herons are widespread across Micronesia, with breeding records in Guam, the Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau, among various other islands. The species also breeds throughout western Polynesia, including in Fiji, French Polynesia, and Tonga – though it does not breed in Niue. Surveys of the Fijian island of Rotuma, conducted in 1991 and 2018, suggest that the Pacific reef heron has recently colonized the island. New Zealand is considered to be the southern limit of the Pacific reef heron's distribution. Despite being relatively uncommon, the herons are found throughout the country, though are most common in Northland.
Species Status
In New Zealand, the Pacific reef heron has the conservation status of "Nationally endangered". It has been classified as "Regionally Critical" in the Wellington region.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Pelicans and Relatives Family
Herons Genus
Typical Egrets Species
Pacific Reef Heron 
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