AFRIKAANS NAME: Swartkopreier
LENGTH: 92 cm
WEIGHT: 1.1 kg
Introduction:
Slightly smaller than the Grey heron. Black crown and back of neck, grey bill and legs. In flight it has grey and black underwings. Eyes are yellow most of the year but become red when breeding.
Juvenile:
Have grey, not black on the head and neck. Underparts whitish. Dark legs and thighs, dark ear coverts and underwing pattern.
Habitat:
Open grassland, often near but not dependent on wetlands, grassy road verges, farmlands and marshes.
Distribution:
Found throughout the Eastern Cape.
Diet:
Invertebrates, but wide range of small mammals, reptiles and even birds up to dove size.
Photos by Wayne Allin
Behaviour:
Active both diurnally and nocturnally. Stands motionless for ages watching for prey in open grassland.
Breeding:
Monogamous. Usually in colonies in small mixed heronries. Nest is a large stick platform usually in very tall trees or near reedbeds.
Call:
Loud raucous call like kuaark.
Status:
Common resident.
Similar species:
Grey heron.