Black crowned night heron

Introduction: The well-vegetated and slow-moving waters that define swamps, estuaries, river, lakes, marshes, dams and sewage ponds are the ideal habitats to observe the black-crowned night-herons (Nycticorax nycticorax). Although they are mainly silent, found singly and skulking in nature, they do roost communally by day in small groups of 2 to 6.

Distribution: Orange River and Fish River Canyon, Caprivi, Kwando River, Okavango Delta, Etosha National Park, Windhoek, Swakopmund.

Diet: Forages at wetlands and along the coast for fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, insects, spiders, molluscs and birds up to the size of the laughing dove.

Description: Medium-sized nocturnal heron with fairly short legs and a stout bill. Distinctive blue-black crown, nape, mantle and scapulars. Nycticorax is a Greek phrase for 'raven of the night', hence the name.

Breeding: African rock pythons and monitors lizards often rock the flimsy stick and reed nests, where 2 to 4 eggs are being incubated in shifts by both male and female for up to 26 days.

Size: 55cm.

Weight: 680g.