A common and widespread species, formerly part of the Striated/Green heron complex. Some 26 subspecies have been split in to four, largely on geographic grounds. This remains the largest group
and occurs in many parts of Australia, Asia and Africa. A somewhat more imaginative name might have been used, as there are already Little Egret and Bittern, plus the original name of Striated
is still used for Nearctic taxa. There are still twenty subspecies, so further splits are possible.
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HOMEPAGE
LITTLE HERON
Butorides atricapilla
