Scientific Name: Ardea sumatrana
Malay Name: Pucung Seriap Lembu
Chinese Name: 大嘴鹭
Range: Found from Southeast Asia to Papua New Guinea and Australia
Taxonomy: Monotypic.
Size: 114-115 cm
Identification: Non-breeding adult resembles a large and long-necked heron with dusky grey overall plumage and long stout dagger shaped bill. Adult in breeding plumage has distinct white-tipped greyish plumes on scapulars and breast. Plumage of juvenile appears warmer-tinged than non-breeding adult.
Similar looking species: Grey Heron, Purple Heron
Habitat: Mudflats and other coastal habitats.
Behaviour/Ecology: Usually solitary, stalking prey at the edge of mudflats or estuaries.
Local Status: Uncommon resident
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)
Location: Labrador Park, Pulau Semakau, Pulau Hantu, Sungei Buloh, Lim Chu Kang, Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong.
- Pelagic Bird Survey at the Singapore Strait – 15 October 2016 (Trip Reports)
- Local extinctions of Singapore birds (Science)
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Great-billed Heron)
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Ardea sumatrana. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22697028A95222998.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023
Jeyarajasingam, A., & Pearson, A. (2012). A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Oxford University Press.
Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.
RECOMMENDED CITATION
Bird Society of Singapore. (n.d.). Great-billed Heron. Retrieved on April 13, 2024 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/great-billed-heron.