The plumed egret is a species of heron native to Australia and Oceania. Previously this species was regarded as a subspecies of the intermediate egret alongside the Asian intermediate egret and the African yellow-billed egret.
Region
Australasia (Australia and southern New Guinea)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across northern and eastern Australia and into southern New Guinea, favoring lowland wetlands. Occupies freshwater swamps, floodplains, billabongs, shallow lakes, sewage ponds, rice fields, coastal lagoons, and mangroves. Typically uses shallow water margins with emergent vegetation for foraging. After heavy rains, it may appear in ephemeral inland wetlands and retreat as they dry. Breeds colonially in trees or shrubs over water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Recently split from the wider 'intermediate egret' complex, the plumed egret is the Australasian representative, distinguished by its ornate breeding plumes and a gape line that typically ends beneath the eye. It often undertakes nomadic or dispersive movements following rains to exploit temporary wetlands. In breeding season, bare parts can brighten and long filamentous plumes appear on the nape and back. It can form mixed colonies with other herons and cormorants.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
steady flier with slow, deliberate wingbeats; flies with neck retracted
Social Behavior
Feeds mostly alone or in loose aggregations where prey is abundant, but roosts and breeds colonially with other waterbirds. Nests are platform-like structures in trees or dense shrubs over water. Clutches are typically several pale eggs, with both parents participating in incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet, giving harsh croaks and guttural grunts around colonies. Soft contact calls and bill snaps may be heard during courtship and at the nest.
Plumage
All-white heron with silky breeding plumes on the nape and back; sleek, smooth body feathers otherwise. Compared with great egret, it has a shorter neck and proportionally stouter bill; the gape line usually does not extend behind the eye.
Diet
Takes small fish, tadpoles and frogs, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small reptiles. Hunts by slow stalking and stand-and-wait tactics in shallow water, striking rapidly with the bill. Will opportunistically forage in flooded grasslands and rice fields, moving to new sites as waters recede.
Preferred Environment
Shallow edges of freshwater wetlands, floodplains, and marshes with emergent vegetation. Also forages in brackish lagoons, mangroves, and man-made water bodies such as dams and settling ponds.
