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Egrets and Herons 1
 
   
  About Egrets and Herons  
 
An egret is any of several herons, most of which are white or buff, and several of which develop fine plumes during the breeding season. Many egrets are members of the genera Egretta or Ardea, which contain other species named as herons rather than egrets. The distinction between a heron and an egret is vague, depending more on appearance than biology. Several of the egrets have been moved around from one genus to another in recent years: the Great Egret, for example, has been classified as a member of either Casmerodius, Egretta or Ardea. In the 19th and early part of the 20th century, some of the world's egret species were endangered by relentless hunting, since hat makers in Europe and the United States demanded massive numbers of egret plumes and breeding birds were killed in locations all around the world.
 
 
  White-necked (Pacific) Heron
Ardea pacifica
     
 

 

  
     
Great Egret
Ardea alba

Found throughout the world and Australia where habitat and climate are suitable, they prefer shallow water, particularly when flowing, but may be seen on any watered area, including damp grasslands. There is very often one or two around Yeppoon inlet and Ross Creek either fishing or just taking it easy after breakfast. Size 83-103cm.
 
 
 
Striated or Mangrove Heron
Butorides striatus
The Striated Heron is found along the coast of mainland Australia, from Shark Bay, Western Australia, across northern Australia, to Cape York, Queensland, and south to Mallacoota, Victoria, but is more common in the north They are found in mangroves and intertidal flats and, like the one here, around boat mooring areas. Size 43 cm
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
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  Honeyeaters 1 and 2
 
 
 
  Outside Capricorn Coast