Kingdom Animalia Order Pelecaniformes Genus Egretta Higher classification Mesophoyx | Phylum Chordata Family Ardeidae Scientific name Egretta sacra Rank Species | |
Similar Bird, Heron, Mesophoyx, Black bittern, Intermediate egret |
Aigrette sacr e eastern reef egret pacific reef heron cairns esplanade queensland australie
The Pacific reef heron (Egretta sacra), also known as the eastern reef heron or eastern reef egret, is a kind of heron. They are found in many areas of Asia including the oceanic region of India, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Polynesia, and in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.
![Pacific reef heron Pacific Reef Heron in Singapore Francis Yap Nature Photography](https://alchetron.com/cdn/pacific-reef-heron-cfac84fc-4ab7-4596-9a36-35fc3e1f412-resize-750.jpeg)
Pacific reef herons are medium-sized herons, reaching 57 to 66 cm in length. They have a wingspan of between 90 and 110 cm and reach an average weight of 400 grams.
![Pacific reef heron Pacific ReefHeron](https://alchetron.com/cdn/pacific-reef-heron-ca65c9b0-9e1a-4f80-9c17-7d867954b33-resize-750.jpeg)
The species displays an unusual, non-sexual dimorphism, with some members having entirely white plumage and others (the larger portion) being charcoal-grey. The reason for the colour variation or "morph", is unknown, though it is most commonly thought to be related to camouflage.
![Pacific reef heron Pacific reefegret photo Egretta sacra G138814 ARKive](https://alchetron.com/cdn/pacific-reef-heron-01fedb7f-1939-4f9b-992d-870cd926401-resize-750.jpeg)
Eastern reef egrets have very short, yellow legs, and the grey variety's throats and chins are marked by a narrow, white stripe. They have brown beaks, gold-yellow coloured eyes and the surrounding areas of their faces are normally of a greenish to yellow cast.
![Pacific reef heron Pacific Reef Heron Avian Obsession birding nature photography](https://alchetron.com/cdn/pacific-reef-heron-f4282d5c-530f-410d-afca-f780a7dbf3f-resize-750.jpeg)
Their food sources are made up predominantly of varieties of ocean-based fish, crustaceans and molluscs.
The species lay clutches of eggs year-round in colonies in the jungle, between palms and mangroves or in cavities of old buildings. Two to three paled greenish-blue eggs are laid in nests constructed from branches and blossoms. Males and females share brooding tasks. They normally have a 28-day brood period. After chicks are hatched, parents provide approximately 5 weeks of support.
![Pacific reef heron httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu](https://alchetron.com/cdn/pacific-reef-heron-032b149f-fe5c-47ad-bb2f-6cd94f0a843-resize-750.jpg)
![Pacific reef heron Pacific reef heron Wikiwand](https://alchetron.com/cdn/pacific-reef-heron-bd6f0b0d-6c80-4d84-be14-a609f99d677-resize-750.jpg)
![Pacific reef heron Egretta sacra Pacific ReefEgret Discover Life mobile](https://alchetron.com/cdn/pacific-reef-heron-6c6a7388-8e98-4745-8f12-465ca678bce-resize-750.jpeg)