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ViewsPacific Reef-EgretFrom Opus(Redirected from Pacific Reef Egret)
Alternative name: Eastern Reef-Heron
 A white and grey morph photographed near Darwin, Australia
[edit] Identification57 to 66 centimeters in length. They have a wingspan of between 90 and 110 centimeters and reach an average weight of 400 grams. The species displays an unusual, non-sexual dimorphism, with some members having entirely white plumage and others (the larger portion) being charcoal-grey. The reason for the colour variation or "morph," is unknown, though it is most commonly thought to be related to camouflage. Eastern Reef Egrets 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 colored eyes and the surrounding areas of their faces are normally of a greenish to yellow cast. [edit] DistributionSouthern Korea and southern Japan south to Thailand and Burma, the Philippines and Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. Also breeds on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean and the Marquesas and Tuamotus in the Pacific. [edit] TaxonomyThe nominate race is found over most of its range, with the slightly larger race albolineata in New Caledonia. The Pacific Reef Egret is sometimes considered a subspecies of the Little Egret. [edit] HabitatRocky shores and reefs, less commonly on mudflats and lagoons but sometimes feeds in paddyfields close to the sea. [edit] BehaviourDiet includes varieties of ocean-based fish, crustaceans and molluscs. The species lay clutches of eggs year round in colonies in the jungle, between palms and mangroves or in cavities of old buildings. Two to three paled greenish-blue eggs are laid in nests constructed from branches and blossoms. Males and females share brooding tasks. They normally have a 28-day brood period. After chicks are hatched, parents provide approximately 5 weeks of support. [edit] External Links
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