The Pacific reef heron

A Pacific reef heron is seen off the coast on Dapeng Peninsula in east Shenzhen. Photos by Isaac Cohen 

The Pacific reef heron

One of the most enigmatic animals that can be found across Shenzhen is the Pacific reef heron (Egretta sacra). This medium-sized bird, measuring about 66 centimeters in length and with a wingspan of about a meter long, is a member of the heron family.

在深圳的“最神秘物种”花名榜上，岩鹭应占有一席之地。这种中等体型的鹭科鸟类体长约66厘米，翼展约1米。

This fantastic bird is covered by a distinctive dark gray plumage giving them their astonishing appearance. Although this bird species can show a white morph, its predominant color is dark gray.

岩鹭的体色分深色与白色两种，深色型羽色蓝灰，十分易于辨认；白色型则通体洁白，但数量较深色型稀少。

A Pacific reef heron is seen off the coast on Dapeng Peninsula in east Shenzhen.

Males are usually larger than females. Their legs are short and yellow; their beaks are thick and also yellow, which will turn into a darker color during their breeding season.

岩鹭的雄性的体型通常大于雌性，黄色的腿短粗，喙亦短而粗，也为黄色，繁殖期的时候颜色会变深。

Pacific reef herons can be found in coastal areas. Here in Shenzhen, they are most commonly seen about the eastern beaches of the town, where they feed on small crustaceans such as crabs or shrimp, small fish, insects or small vertebrate animals such as frogs and lizards. They can be seen out hunting both during the day and at night.

岩鹭昼夜皆活动，喜欢海岸生境，在深圳常见于东部海滩，以虾、蟹等小型甲壳类、小型鱼类为食，也吃昆虫及蛙、蜥蜴等小型脊椎动物。

A Pacific reef heron is seen off the coast on Dapeng Peninsula in east Shenzhen.

Highly territorial, Pacific reef herons are not usually seen in large groups. Their breeding season may vary depending on their location; at our latitude, it is in spring. They can lay up to three eggs per clutch that both parents will incubate for around four weeks.

岩鹭的领地意识极强，常单独觅食，极少集群。其繁殖期不固定，常随栖息地的地理位置改变，深圳本地的种群一般在春季繁殖，每窝产卵可达3枚，由亲鸟共同孵化四周后，雏鸟方可破壳。

The pacific reef heron is not too abundant in our city, so it is essential to draw and follow up action plans to preserve our coastal areas so more species like this one can find their homes in our town.

岩鹭在深圳并不常见，所以我们更应该制定计划并采取行动去保护这里的海洋，只有如此，这些美丽的涉禽才能够长久地在这座城市里繁衍生息。