Green backed heron

Introduction: Green-backed herons (Butorides striata) are noted for their attendance in wooded areas around margins of rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries, streams, reedbeds and swamps where the vegetation overhangs the water. This enables them to roost and climb agilely among the branches, roots and reeds to strike out for prey.

Distribution: Scattered populations in along the Kunene River, Caprivi wetlands, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, Hardap Dam and Epupa Falls.

Diet: Solitary day or night hunter for fish, crustaceans, spiders, molluscs, insects, frogs and reptiles. A feature of their foraging technique is to wait in a crouched position for long periods of time, on shore or perch before prey becomes within striking range.

Description: Small, stocky heron with large bill and strong, curved claws. Striata refers to the black moustachial stripe.

Breeding: A flimsy, saucer-shaped nest consisting of reeds, twigs and sticks, usually near water allows the female to lay 2 to 5 eggs mainly after rains. Incubation periods are up to 27 days.

Size: 40cm.

Weight: 210g.