- Butorides sundevalli
aka Lava Heron.
Description
A small heron with a total length of 35 cm (14 in). Overall blackish-grey with a black bill and yellow eyes. The legs are yellowish (brighter when breeding). Juveniles are brownish with whitish-buff streaking to the head, neck and underparts and spotting to the wings.
Identification
Adults unmistakable in range. Juveniles are essentially identical to juvenile Striated Heron.
Distribution
Endemic to the Galapagos Islands, where fairly common.
Habitat
Mainly in coastal areas.
Behavior
Feeds on fishes, crabs and other small animals found near the shore. Breeding is year-round, whenever conditions are suitable. The nest is built low in bushes (mainly mangrove) or under rocks.
Taxonomy
Often considered a subspecies of the Striated Heron.
