Slaty egret

Introduction: Slaty egrets (Egretta vinaceigula) can be found in shallow margins of any wetland, solitary or in small groups of 4 to 10 birds. Perching in trees and roosting communally with other herons and starlings in reeds is common.

Distribution: Etosha National Park, Caprivi, Kaudom Game Park. Also common in Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.

Diet: Forages in shallow waters or floodplains or pans for small fish, tadpoles and aquatic insects, as well as snails from lily leaves.

Description: Vinaceigula is Latin for 'wine-coloured throat'. Variable overall plumage ranging from pale to dark slaty grey. Characteristic long neck plumes with shorter neck plumes that form a crest.

Breeding: Females lay between 2 and 4 in twig nest made over water or on firm, dry mud. The incubation is around 20 days but predators of eggs include African fish-eagle, Hamerkop, African python, water monitor and water mongoose.

Size: 60cm.

Weight: 290g.