Black heron

Introduction: Black herons (Egretta ardesiaca) inhabit a number of regions, mostly those associated with shallow, perennial waters, but at marshes, dams, lakes, edges of river as well as seasonally flooded grassland and estuary waters. Black herons are a gregarious species, commonly found in groups of up to 100. Roosting communally on reedbeds or in trees is favoured.

Distribution: North-east Namibia, Etosha National Park, Caprivi, Kaudom Game Park.

Diet: Hunts on open shoreline or amongst vegetation for mostly fish, crustaceans and insects.

Description: Ardesiaca is Latin for 'slate-coloured'. Overall black plumage.

Breeding: Nests colonially with other water birds on a platform nest built of sticks, reeds, grass or leafy branches. Between 2 and 4 eggs are laid from February to April.

Size: 66cm.

Weight: 310g.