The Great White Egret (Ardea alba) is found over most of the globe - and this individual is in Australia, at the Western Treatment Plant, aka Werribee.
Given such a wide spread distribution it is not surprising that some of the more isolated populations of this bird are considered subspecies, or even full species in their own right. Historically, this was the case with Australian birds - but as far as I can tell a consensus is forming that Australian birds are 'at best' a subspecies. I may be the only one here who finds this kind of taxonomy interesting!
In Australia this species is described as being the 'largest, lankiest longest necked egret', and its neck often has an obvious kink. In SE Australia, it's not really a difficult bird to separate from other white egrets,
As ever, to join in with WBW click on the link below. SM
Count me among those besotted by taxonomy.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeletePoetry! YAM xx
A beautiful creature. Love the shadows!
ReplyDeleteThank You! Warm Aloha, Stewart
ReplyDeleteA very elegant bird Stewart. Thanks for hosting and commenting. I hope you have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteIt's always great to see these magnificent birds. Here, we commonly classify them as Little, Intermediate, and Great.
ReplyDeleteCreo que esta garza es muy elegante...
ReplyDeleteMuchas gracias por las fotografías.
Un abrazo, David.
Dejé una nueva entrada en mi blog.
Jak ja lubię białe czaple! Czasami siedzę długo w jednym miejscu i z ciekawością obserwuję. Udany fotoreportaż!
ReplyDeletewe saw this bird in our areas during Spring .... pretty.
ReplyDeleteExcellent shots
The bird is very beautiful. Stunning photos.
ReplyDelete