Black Heron
Egretta ardesiaca
Chunky, mid-sized, blackish heron. The bill and legs are black and the feet are yellow. Found mainly in freshwater and brackish wetlands, though occasionally on saltwater. Famous for its “umbrella” feeding technique in which it hunts for food inside of its own spread and curled wings. Similar to the dark morph of other egret species, but smaller, shorter-necked, and without a pale patch at the base of the bill.
Identification
The black heron is a medium-sized bird, with a typical height range of 42.5 to 66 cm (16.5 to 26 in). Their weight can range from 0.27 to 0.39 kg (0.60 to 0.86 lbs). They are known for their black plumage, black bill, and yellow feet. In breeding plumage it grows long plumes on the crown and nape.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Egretta ardesiaca
- Authority
- (Wagler, 1827)
- Order
- Pelecaniformes
- Family
- Ardeidae
- Genus
- Egretta
Range and habitat
The black heron occurs patchily through Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Sudan to South Africa, but is found mainly on the eastern half of the continent and in Madagascar. It has also been observed in Greece and Italy.<p>It prefers shallow open waters, such as the edges of freshwater lakes and ponds. It may also be found in marshes, river edges, rice fields, and seasonally flooded grasslands. In coastal areas, it may be found feeding along tidal rivers and creeks, in alkaline lakes, and tidal flats.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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