Historical information

Nankeen Night Herons reside in Australia wherever there is permanent water. They can often be found in wetlands, shallow river margins, floodplains and parks and gardens. These birds spend the day time roosting in groups among dense foliage and emerge during the night. An adult Nankeen Night Heron is identified by the black cap on its head and a pale breast. This particular specimen has these signs which enable it to be identified as adult. The large eyes of the Nankeen Night Heron are a bright yellow colour which are adapted to night vision.

This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.

Significance

This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research.

This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.

Physical description

The Nankeen Night Heron has a stocky body and is standing tall on a wooden pedestal and looking towards the upper right. This adult specimen has yellow and black glass eyes and a long pale grey bill. Plumage on the head is black which turns a pale cinnamon on the nape of the neck. The wings are placed along the back of the body and are a light brown. The torso is a pale buff colour. This specimen has nuptial plums which look like they come out of the back of the birds head. These plums are long white feathers which appear during the breeding season.