Black-headed heron: Difference between revisions
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The '''Black-headed Heron''' (''Ardea melanocephala'') is a wading bird of the [[heron]] family [[Ardeidae]], common throughout much of [[sub-Saharan Africa]] and [[Madagascar]]. It is mainly resident, but some west African birds [[bird migration|move]] further north in the rainy season. |
The '''Black-headed Heron''' (''Ardea melanocephala'') is a wading bird of the [[heron]] family [[Ardeidae]], common throughout much of [[sub-Saharan Africa]] and [[Madagascar]]. It is mainly resident, but some west African birds [[bird migration|move]] further north in the rainy season. |
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This species usually breeds in the [[wet season]] in [[Bird colony|colonies]] in trees, reedbeds or cliffs. It |
This species usually breeds in the [[wet season]] in [[Bird colony|colonies]] in trees, reedbeds or cliffs. It builds a bulky stick nest, and lays 2–4 [[Egg (biology)|egg]]s. |
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It often feeds in shallow water, spearing [[fish]] or [[frog]]s with its long, sharp bill. It will also hunt well away from water, taking large insects, small [[mammal]]s, and birds. It will wait motionless for its prey, or slowly stalk its victim. |
It often feeds in shallow water, spearing [[fish]] or [[frog]]s with its long, sharp bill. It will also hunt well away from water, taking large insects, small [[mammal]]s, and birds. It will wait motionless for its prey, or slowly stalk its victim. |
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Revision as of 13:28, 27 July 2013
| Black-headed Heron | |
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| From Serengeti National Park | |
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| Species: | A. melanocephala
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| Binomial name | |
| Ardea melanocephala | |
The Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, common throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It is mainly resident, but some west African birds move further north in the rainy season.
This species usually breeds in the wet season in colonies in trees, reedbeds or cliffs. It builds a bulky stick nest, and lays 2–4 eggs.
It often feeds in shallow water, spearing fish or frogs with its long, sharp bill. It will also hunt well away from water, taking large insects, small mammals, and birds. It will wait motionless for its prey, or slowly stalk its victim.
The Black-headed Heron is a large bird, standing 85 cm tall, and it has a 150 cm wingspan. It is nearly as large as the Grey Heron, which it resembles in appearance, although it is generally darker. Its plumage is largely grey above, and paler grey below. It has a powerful dusky bill.
The flight is slow, with the neck retracted. This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, and spoonbills, which extend their necks. The white underwing coverts are striking in flight.
The call is a loud croaking.
References
External links
- Black-headed Heron - Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds
Gallery
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In Mikumi National Park, Tanzania -
Gathering nest material -
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Adult painted by Louis Agassiz Fuertes -
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