11/10/2025
Meet the Black-headed Heron
This tall, striking bird is a common sight across sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Standing about 85 cm high with a wingspan of 1.5 metres, it’s almost as big as the grey heron — but a little darker in colour.
🌿 Where they live:
Black-headed herons are usually residents, but some move north in the rainy season. They nest in groups during the wet season, building large stick nests in trees, reedbeds, or even on cliffs.
🍴 What they eat:
They’re clever hunters — waiting patiently and then striking with their sharp bills. You’ll see them wading in shallow water for fish and frogs, but they’ll also stalk insects, small mammals, and even other birds away from water.
🕊 In flight:
They fly slowly, with their long necks tucked back (unlike storks or cranes that stretch theirs out). Look out for their white underwing coverts, which are easy to spot when they’re soaring.
🔊 Sound:
Their call is a loud, croaking noise — unmistakable once you’ve heard it, almost dinosaur like!
