General Description
A large egret. White, with a yellow bill. When breeding, it develops long breast plumes, a red bill and a green lores area between the eye and bill). When non-breeding, it can be distinguished from the larger Great Egret by its shorter, thicker, less-kinked neck and its shorter, thicker bill. The Little Egret also has a black bill.
Biology
Feeds on insects and other small creatures. Roosts in trees near water, often in groups. Breeds colonially in trees above water, including mangroves. The nest is a platform of loosely interwoven twigs. Lays 2-6 green or greenish white eggs (usually 3). Young can fly at 6-7 weeks, and leave the nest at around 10-11 weeks. Parents continue to supplement their offspring's diets for another 3 weeks.
Distribution
Across Australia.
Habitat
Freshwater wetlands, occasionally coastal areas.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Brief Id
A large white egret with a yellow bill, and long fine plumes extending beyond the tail when breeding.
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Colours
White, Yellow
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Maximum Size
70 cm
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Habitats
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Diet
Carnivore
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Commercial
No
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Conservation Statuses
CITES: Not listed, FFG Threatened List: Critically Endangered, EPBC Act 1999: Not listed, IUCN Red List: Least Concern
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Taxon Name
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Common Name
Intermediate Egret
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Kingdom
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Phylum
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Subphylum
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Class
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Order
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Family
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Genus
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Species Name
intermedia
