Colours

Distinguishing features

It has a stooped hunched-over appearance.  The upperparts and wings are rufous brown and the underparts are white.  The crown of its head is black.  The bill is also black. The legs and feet are yellow.

In breeding plumage it also has two white plumes flowing backward from the top of its head.

Size

Wingspan

Synonyms

Distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

It is found throughout much of Australia except the arid inland, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Melanesia. A small colony has also established near Wanganui, New Zealand.

It can be seen around freshwater rivers, lakes, bulrushes, estuaries, harbors and in residential fishponds. (Wikipedia)

Behaviour

It feeds nocturnally.

Diet

The bird is dependent on a diet of small fish, reptiles, insects and sometimes eggs.

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