Great-billed heron

species of bird

The great-billed heron (Ardea sumatrana) is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae. It is resident from southeast Asia to Papua New Guinea and Australia. Its habitats are largely coastal such as islands, coral reefs, mangroves and large rivers. However, occasionally, it can be found inland in shallow ponds.

Great-billed heron
Adult in Palawan, Philippines
Scientific classification
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Binomial name
Ardea sumatrana
Raffles, 1822

It feeds in shallow water, spearing fish with its long, sharp bill. It will wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim.