Black-headed Heron

Overview

The black-headed heron (Ardea melanocephala) is a wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae that is common throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Although mainly resident, some populations in West Africa move further north during the rainy season.

Identification

• A large bird standing 85 cm tall with a 150 cm wingspan, resembling a grey heron but generally darker in appearance.
• Plumage is largely grey above and paler grey below, with a powerful dusky bill.
• Flight is slow with the neck retracted, featuring striking white underwing coverts.
• Produces a loud croaking call.

Habitat

Found across sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, this species usually breeds in colonies situated in trees, reedbeds, or cliffs during the wet season. It constructs bulky stick nests and lays between two and four eggs.

Diet

It frequently feeds in shallow water by spearing fish or frogs with its long, sharp bill, but also hunts away from water for large insects, small mammals, and birds. The bird forages by waiting motionless or slowly stalking its prey.