Black headed heron

Introduction: Black-headed herons (Ardea melanocephala) are often near wetlands and flooded fields but not dependent on water. They are less common in woodlands. Although they roost and breed communally, they are generally a solitary bird. Commuting long distances from roosting to feeding sites is a feature of the black-headed heron.

Distribution: Common and widespread in all areas less for the most arid areas of south-west Namibia and eastern Namibia. Found in Fish River Canyon, Orange River, Luderitz, Sandwich Harbour, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Skeleton Coast, Epupa Falls, Etosha National Park and the Caprivi.

Diet: Walks alone slowly through grass for reptiles, small mammals and birds.

Description: Large, black, grey and white heron often confused with the similarly sized grey heron.

Breeding: A loose platform of twigs lined with leaves is placed in a tree or reedbed. Females lay 2 to 4 eggs year-round and incubated for about 25 days.

Size: 90cm.

Weight: Up to 1.5g.