The White-necked Heron, Ardea pacifica also known as the Pacific Heron is found throughout New Guinea and Australia, except for the most arid regions, and is a vagrant to New Zealand.

It is a large, robust looking heron, with dark slaty wings and body, and white head and neck. Its habitat mainly comprises freshwater wetlands and wet grasslands. It feeds on small terrestrial and aquatic animals. It nests in dead or living trees associated with freshwater wetlands.

Widespread throughout its large range, the White-necked Heron is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

References

• BirdLife International (2004). Ardea pacifica. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 26 November 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
• Marchant, S.; & Higgins, P.J. (Coordinators). (2000). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol.1: Ratites to Ducks. Oxford University Press: Melbourne. ISBN 0-19-553068-3