Squacco heron

Introduction: Squacco herons (Ardeola ralloides) prefer still, fresh waters with thick-edged vegetation, ephemeral pans and flooded grasslands. Although usually observed singly, they do congregate in loose groups when foraging.

Distribution: Widespread in north-east Namibia, also found in Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and parts of the Orange River.

Diet: Walks slowly at the water's edge or in shallow water for fish, aquatic insects, frogs, spiders and crustaceans.

Description: Small, short-legged heron with brown and grey streaked plumage.

Breeding: Females lay 2 to 4 eggs in a stick or reed nest, lined with grass and placed in a bush or tree above water.

Size: 40cm.

Weight: 300g.