with other herons.
LITTLE HERON (Striated Heron)
Butorides striatus 45 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: A small heron with crouching stance. Immature bird is brown with pale streaks. A unique, monotypic genus.
Voice: A loud kweak...kee-kee-kee-kee when taking off.
Habits: As a resident, most commonly found near the coast, where it nests in low mangrove trees, but occurs in all kinds of wetlands, including freshwater marshes and canals. Sometimes walks conspicuously out in the open along the water's edge.
CHINESE POND-HERON
Ardeola bacchus 45 cm F: Adeidae
Description: Photo shows non-breeding plumage. During breeding, the head and breast are dark chestnut, the back is black and wings flash white in flight.
Voice: Normally silent. Low croaks during breeding.
Habits: An attractive small heron usually found at overgrown ponds, marshes and paddy fields where it walks along slowly, looking for aquatic prey. Less common in mangroves. Breeds in colonies with other herons.
JAVAN POND-HERON
Ardeola speciosa 45 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Note the diagnostic pale chestnut breast and whitish head of breeding plumage; white wings flash brightly during flight. In non-breeding plumage is not easily distinguished from the Chinese Pond-heron.
Voice: Similar to previous species.
Habits: Moves about freshwater wetlands, flooded fields and sometimes among coastal mangroves, singly or in loose groups. A rather shy bird that walks slowly or stands waiting quietly for aquatic prey to appear.
CATTLE EGRET
Bubulcus ibis 50 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Small, stocky shape and yellow bill are diagnostic. A unique, monotypic genus. Orange plumes on head, chest and back during breeding season (see photo, bird in background).
Voice: Usually silent, although croaks at nest.
Habits: Numerous locally in open country and on cultivated fields; does not visit mudflats and beaches. Associates with grazing domestic animals, catching the insects, frogs and lizards that the cattle disturb. Large flocks form at communal roosts in the evenings and at breeding sites. A successful and expanding species.
PACIFIC REEF-EGRET (Reef Egret)
Egretta sacra 58 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Medium-sized egret with dull yellow bill; note dark tip on upper mandible (top). Northern birds often occur in a slate-black colour phase (bottom).
Voice: Sometimes a harsh arrk when disturbed.
Habits: A Strictly coastal egret that ventures only occasionally up tidal estuaries and canals. Prefers exposed sandy and rocky seacoasts; sometimes found on mudflats feeding on small fish in shallow waters during low tide, usually alone or in small groups. Nests on the ground on remote coastal outcrops.
CHINESE EGRET
Egretta eulophotes 68 cm F: Ardeidae
Description: Photo shows breeding plumage; long crest and bright yellow bill and toes are diagnostic; orbital skin blue. In winter, only its longer legs and narrow bill distinguish it from the previous species.
Voice: Generally silent.
Habits: Occupies a narrow niche of tidal mudflats near estuaries; does not occur inland or on rocky shorelines. Confusion with the Pacific Reef-Egret is possible during winter months, although this species feeds more actively, sometimes running through shallow water with open wings to stir up prey.
GREAT EGRET
Egretta alba 90 cm (Casmerodius albus) F: Ardeidae
Description: Huge size, long neck and strong bill are diagnostic. Bill is yellow (photo) during non-breeding season. During breeding season, bill is black and legs are reddish.
Voice: Sometimes a low, crow-like kraa-a when taking off.
Habits: Occurs in all types of wetlands, including coastal mangroves, estuaries and wet fields. Walks slowly or stands quietly, singly or in a small group, on the lookout for aquatic prey. Scattered groups may gather together at prime locations during winter months and can be very numerous locally.
PLUMED EGRET (Intermediate Egret)
Egretta intermedia 70 cm, Mesophoyz intermedia F: Ardeidae
Description: A medium-sized bird. Its fairly short yellow bill is
