- Butorides sundevalli
aka Lava Heron.
Identification
L. 35 cm (14in)
- Overall blackish-grey
- Black bill
- Yellow eyes
- Yellowish legs
- Brighter when breeding
Juvenile
- Brownish
- Whitish-buff streaking to head, neck and underparts
- Spotting on wings
Similar Species
Juveniles are essentially identical to juvenile Striated Heron.
Distribution
Endemic to the Galapagos Islands, where fairly common.
Taxonomy
Often considered a subspecies of the Striated Heron.
Habitat
Mainly in coastal areas.
Behaviour
Diet
Feeds on fishes, crabs and other small animals found near the shore. Breeding is year-round, whenever conditions are suitable.
Breeding
The nest is built low in bushes (mainly mangrove) or under rocks.