Plumed Egret

Ardea plumifera

Freshwater Lake, Centenary Lakes, Cairns North, FN Qld IMG_9087 20191201 - breeding plumage. CLICK for another,
at Tyto Wetlands, Ingham FN Qld 20200802.

 Notes: Yellow-billed heron of freshwater wetlands, rarely on tidal flats. Gape line less pointed,
ends below the eye cf Great Egret. Long toes; jowled appearance like Eastern Cattle Egret.
Breeding: loose filamentous plumes breast & back, bare parts briefly vividly coloured.
Stalks prey upright w. neck extended forward. Often nests in colonies w. other herons.

Range from Morcombe & Stewart©(modified)