Black-headed Heron
Ardea melanocephala
A: Swartkopreier
Ss: Kokolofitwe ya hlohontsho
Z: unokilonkolikhandamnyama

BIRD FAMILY
Herons, Egrets and Bitterns

SIZE
97cm (VL)

HABITAT
Occurs singly or in scattered groups in grassland (especially pastures), grassy road verges, farmlands and marshes. Seldom feeds in water but roosts and breeds in trees or in reeds over water.

SPECIES DESCRIPTION
Common resident. Differs from the superficially similar Grey Heron in entirely black (or dark blue-grey) cap and back of neck, and slate-grey bill and legs. In flight told by black and grey underwings. Immature greyer than immature of Grey Heron; bill and legs pale grey (not yellow).