Ardeidae

White; Orange-yellow bill, legs black, wisp of fine plumes on breast and sometimes a reddish bill. Breeding plumage: very distinctive: bill deep-pink to orange-red, facial skin blue-green; breast-plumes long and wispy; wing-plumes fall thickly like briadal veil, extending well beyond tail.

Diurnal, Usually singly but in Northern Australia often in open companies; feeds in pastures among cattle similar to the Cattle Egret.

Grassland Wetlands, Swamps and edges of lakes and streams freshwater lakes and rivers; floodplains.

Breeds colonially, late summer. 3 to 5; pale blue-green, nest in trees. Incubation 24-27 days by both sexes, young fledge in 5-6 weeks.

Kakadu National Park

Carnivore, acquatic animals; small fish; frogs; insects and crustaceans.