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Birds
Black heron
Black heron · Egretta ardesiaca
Black herons fascinate with their unique hunting technique and their deep black plumage, which immediately catches the eye in southern Africa.
Fact file
- Size
- Body length between 42 and 66 centimetres, slender build
- Males and females
- Males and females are hardly distinguishable in the field
- Sounds
- Rarely vocal, occasionally a dull croak at the nest
- Diet
- Fish, amphibians and aquatic insects that are attracted under the wing canopy
- Offspring
- Up to four eggs; breeding season usually in or just after the rainy season
How to identify Black heron
The black heron has deep black plumage that shows a slight blue sheen in sunlight. Particularly striking are its slender, S-shaped neck and the medium-length bill which, like the long legs, is black. Only the feet of the black heron are yellow.
Its wings are broad and look especially distinctive when it spreads them over itself like an umbrella. In flight the black heron can be recognised by its compact, elongated silhouette and rapid wingbeat. It measures 42 to 66 centimetres and is more delicate than other heron species.
More in the app
With Wildful Stories+ you also get in the app:
- general viewing tips
- one place where you can see Black heron
Where Black heron live
Discover Black heron on your trip.
The app shows you where and when to see wildlife along your route.
