Ardea plumifera
The Plumed Egret (Ardea plumifera), a medium-sized heron, is celebrated for its dazzling white plumage and elegant form, epitomizing the grace of wetland birds. Measuring approximately 56-70 cm (22-28 inches) in length and weighing between 350-500g (12-18 oz), it presents a distinctive profile. Non-breeding adults exhibit a yellow bill, dark legs, and yellowish-green lores. However, during the breeding season, adults develop striking filamentous plumes on their back, breast, and nape, while t...
Predominantly found in shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands, including swamps, floodplains, rice paddies, and inundated grasslands. It favors the edges of rivers, lakes, and temporary water bodies, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Feeds primarily on small fish, amphibians (frogs), aquatic insects, and crustaceans, actively foraging in shallow water by stalking, dashing, or stirring up prey with its feet.
Plumed Egrets are primarily diurnal, actively foraging throughout the day and congregating in communal roosts, often alongside other heron species, in trees or dense reedbeds at night. Their foraging strategy is dynamic, frequently employing a 'running and stopping' technique where they actively ...
The Plumed Egret (Ardea plumifera) is primarily distributed across Australasia, encompassing much of mainland Australia and parts of New Guinea. Within Australia, its range extends widely across the northern, eastern, and south-eastern regions, favoring areas with suitable freshwater wetlands. Wh...
Least Concern
- The 'Plumed' in its common name refers to the stunning, filamentous feathers that adorn its back, breast, and nape during the breeding season, once highly coveted for fashion. - Unlike the larger Great Egret, the Plumed Egret often employs an active 'running and stopping' foraging technique, pu...