47) PACIFIC REEF HERON (Egretta sacra)

Pacific Reef Heron Havelock , Andamans Dec 14

47) Pacific reef heron (Egretta sacra) #heron #andamans

I saw the Pacific reef heron on a beach at Havelock Island, Andamans in the month of December 2014.

Pacific Reef Heron Havelock , Andamans Dec 14

Some Pacific reef heron have entirely white plumage whereas some birds have entirely dark grey plumage. 

It inhabits coastal regions like rocky shores and offshore islands.

Pacific Reef Heron Havelock , Andamans Dec 14

It is also observed on mangrove margins, tidal flats, beaches and tidal creeks.

It feeds mainly on fish, shrimp and molluscs.

It was classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Pacific Reef Heron Havelock , Andamans Dec 14

In my listing of birds that I have seen and photographed, the Pacific Reef Heron is at 47th place.

References:

1) Birds of the Indian Subcontinent by Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp

2) Birds of South Asia, The Ripley guide by Pamela C. Rasmussen and John C Anderton

3) The Book of Indian Birds by Salim Ali

4) A Pictorial Field Guide to Birds of India by Bikram Grewal, Sumit Sen, Sarwandeep Singh, Nikhil Devasar and Garima Bhatia

5) The Wikipedia