White-necked Heron

Taxobox
name = White-necked Heron
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1

---

regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Ciconiiformes
familia = Ardeidae
genus = "Ardea"
species = "A. pacifica"
binomial = "Ardea pacifica"
binomial_authority = Latham, 1801

The White-necked Heron, "Ardea pacifica" also known as the Pacific Heron is found throughout New Guinea and Australia, except for the most arid regions, and is a vagrant to New Zealand.

It is a large, robust looking heron, with dark slaty wings and body, and white head and neck. Its habitat mainly comprises freshwater wetlands and wet grasslands. It feeds on small terrestrial and aquatic animals. It nests in dead or living trees associated with freshwater wetlands.

Widespread throughout its large range, the White-necked Heron is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
* Marchant, S.; & Higgins, P.J. (Coordinators). (2000). "Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol.1: Ratites to Ducks". Oxford University Press: Melbourne. ISBN 0-19-553068-3

External links

* [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3719&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet]
* [http://www.redlist.org/search/details.php?species=49581 IUCN Red List]