Pacific Reef Heron

A rough-natured, solitary heron.

Scientific name	Egretta sacra
English name	Pacific Reef Heron
Japanese name	黒鷺
Class	Aves
Order	Pelecaniformes
Family	Ardeidae
Genus	Egretta
Species	sacra
Full length	63cm
Distribution	West of the Boso Peninsula and south of the Oga Peninsula.

Pacific Reef Heron Characteristics and Morphology

A medium-sized heron with a dark grey, almost black body. It measures about 60cm in length. Depending on the lighting, it can appear dark blue. There are two color morphs. A dark-colored type and an entirely white-colored type.
Bill color varies by individual, ranging from greenish to brownish. It develops prominent crest feathers. The body silhouette has no unique features, being similar to other egrets. The legs are yellow and sturdy.
The white morph is common in the Nansei Islands, while individuals found north of Kyushu are mostly the dark morph.

Song

May call when taking flight. A hoarse, dry sound like "gaa" or "guaa."

Pacific Reef Heron Ecology

Habitat

Inhabits rocky coastal areas.

Food

Walks along rocky shores to catch and eat fish and crustaceans.

Life Cycle

Nests and breeds on rocks or in trees near the sea.

Pacific Reef Heron Photos

Pacific Reef Heron Photos are introduced.
Tap the photo to open the detail page.

It has a dark grey color that is close to black.

Pacific Reef Heron Behavior

Moves from rock to rock by flying low near the sea surface. Unlike Great Egrets or Little Egrets, they do not act in groups and are usually seen alone. They are highly territorial and will drive away any other individuals that approach.

Pacific Reef Heron Information

Naming

The scientific name "sacra" means "sacred," originating from a white morph specimen that was introduced as a "sacred heron."

Pacific Reef Heron Found Locations

Arasaki, Miura Peninsula

Photographed along the coast of Arasaki on the Miura Peninsula. After spotting one searching for prey from the Arasaki observatory, I hiked through the rocky area to find it. While easy to spot from above, it was quite a struggle to find it once I descended to the shore, as it was eating in the shadows of the rocks. They are very cautious and will flee immediately if they see you, even from a great distance. The entire Arasaki area seemed to be that specific individual's territory; I didn't see any others even after spending an hour walking halfway around the point.

Return to Picture book