Nankeen Night Heron
Nycticorax caledonicus
They are named after 'nankeen', a type of buff-colored cotton cloth historically produced in Nanjing, China, which matches their rich cinnamon-brown plumage.
- Scientific name
- Nycticorax caledonicus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Pelecaniformes › Ardeidae › Nycticorax
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- wetland
- Habitat
- Freshwater wetlands, rivers, tidal flats, swamps, and estuaries.
- Diet
- Fish, frogs, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small reptiles.
- Range
- Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia
- Size
- 55-65 cm tall, wingspan of 95-110 cm, weight approximately 800 grams.
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Wetland drainage, habitat destruction, water pollution, and predation by feral animals.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless to humans. Maintain a respectful distance of at least 15 meters to prevent disturbing its nocturnal hunting. If cornered, it may vocalize or attempt to peck defensively; in the highly unlikely event of a scratch or peck, clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical advice.
The nankeen night heron ( Nycticorax caledonicus ) also commonly referred to as the rufous night heron , and in Melanesia as Melabaob , is a medium-sized heron. It is found in Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, and throughout much of Australia except the arid inland. A small colony has also established near Wanganui, New Zealand
Photo: no rights reserved, CC0, via iNaturalist
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