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IUCN status: Least ConcernPacific Reef Heron at a glance
The Pacific Reef Heron (Egretta sacra) is a bird in the family Ardeidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Papua, Maluku. Diet: small fish, crustaceans and insects (piscivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Egretta sacra |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kuntul karang |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Papua, Maluku |
| Taxonomic group | Pelecaniformes |
| GBIF records | 4,689 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — small fish, crustaceans and insects (piscivore) · BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night) — Feeding is timed mainly by the tides, so it can be by day or at night. · Eastern Reef Heron - Herons of the World, HeronConservation (IUCN SSC Heron Specialist Group) |
In this guide (12)
What is the Pacific Reef Heron?
Pacific Reef Heron refers to Egretta sacra, in the genus Egretta, family Ardeidae, and order Pelecaniformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Pacific Reef Heron?
The Pacific reef heron uses rocky coasts and reefs; pale and dark colour forms make habitat and shape important in identification.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Pacific Reef Heron?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 4,689 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Papua, Maluku. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Pacific Reef Heron?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Pacific Reef Heron with Little Egret, Javan Pond-Heron, Purple Heron. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Pacific Reef Heron
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | Egretta sacra |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Pacific Reef Heron
What is the scientific name of the Pacific Reef Heron?
The scientific name of the Pacific Reef Heron is Egretta sacra, in the family Ardeidae and the order Pelecaniformes. In Indonesian it is called Kuntul karang.
What kind of animal is the Pacific Reef Heron?
The Pacific Reef Heron is a bird in the family Ardeidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a small fish, crustaceans and insects (piscivore).
Where does the Pacific Reef Heron live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Pacific Reef Heron summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Papua, Maluku. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Pacific Reef Heron eat?
The Pacific Reef Heron is a small fish, crustaceans and insects (piscivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards.
How does the Pacific Reef Heron reproduce?
The Pacific Reef Heron reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the Pacific Reef Heron nocturnal?
The cited source records the Pacific Reef Heron as cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night). Feeding is timed mainly by the tides, so it can be by day or at night. Source: Eastern Reef Heron - Herons of the World, HeronConservation (IUCN SSC Heron Specialist Group).
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Pacific Reef Heron?
Scientific classification of the Pacific Reef Heron: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Pelecaniformes, family Ardeidae, genus Egretta, species Egretta sacra.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Pacific Reef Heron endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Pacific Reef Heron is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Pacific Reef Heron is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- Eastern Reef Heron - Herons of the World, HeronConservation (IUCN SSC Heron Specialist Group) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Pacific Reef Heron (Egretta sacra). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/egretta-sacra/