FAMILY NAME: Threskiornithidae SCIENTIFIC NAME: Platalea regia SUBSPECIES: none
SIZE: 75 to 80cm. (30 to 32") tip to tail.
LOCATION: Found in the eastern third of Australia, and across the north.
BREEDING: Breeding season is from October to March, laying from 2 to 4 eggs. Their dish shaped nests are made of sticks, water plants and leaves. Generally, they are located in rushes or reeds, and also, high in trees over water. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young. When in breeding mode, white plumes hang from the nape.
GENERAL: These birds feed only in shallow water, both fresh and saltwater. They eat fish, aquatic insects and crustaceans. As they stride through the water, their bill is swept from side to side, and any food that touches the inside of the bill, triggers it to shut. The food is then swallowed. When in flight, the neck is extended, and the legs trail behind.
References:
Michael Morecombe.
Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day.
The Birds of Australia.M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly.
The Atlas of Australian Birds.Birds in Backyards.
www.birdsinbackyards.net
