Herons compared

Two of our local heron species, the Great Egret and White-faced Heron can often be found feeding together in the same habitats. I spotted these two feeding in the shallows of Cairn Curran Reservoir yesterday afternoon – the difference in size is quite striking.

White-faced Heron and Great Egret, Cairn Curran Reservoir, 9th January 2012.

While both species feed on frogs and fish the size difference probably helps them partition their habitat – egrets usually feeding in slightly deeper water. The Egret was especially cooperative, wheeling just above me for a few minutes before returning to its preferred feeding spot nearby. This individual had the remnants of some breeding plumes – unfortunately not visible in the photographs below.

Great Egret, Cairn Curran Reservoir, 9th January 2012.

Note the long trailing black legs.

The Great Egret - one of our most beautiful and majestic waterbirds.

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