Yes, that call is entirely characteristic of this species (often used) when being startled and flying from habitat. It was among the first bird calls I knew,
having learned it as a child (1960s) when they lived regularly among the duck / fish / frog / snake ponds on my large family property. We called them “Blue Cranes”. I probably enjoyed chasing them at that time. Not that it is about me.
Philip
From: John Layton [
Sent: Sunday, 29 March, 2020 1:04 PM
To: Canberra birds
Subject: [canberrabirds] White-faced Heron seen and (surprisingly) heard.
This morning, during a short walk along a track through knee-high grass adjacent to the Belconnen horse paddocks, we were startled when a White-faced Heron flushed from
nearby and uttered a loud guttural croak as it flew away heavily before us. I believe this is the first time I’ve heard this species call.
John Layton
Holt.
