Friday, 1 January 2021
Thursday, 31 December 2020
Wednesday, 30 December 2020
Sunday, 27 December 2020
Saturday, 26 December 2020
Thursday, 24 December 2020
Wednesday, 23 December 2020
18-4-2018 CHOBE NAT PARK, BOTSWANA - BLACK HEADED HERON (Ardea melanocephala)
The black-headed heron, Ardea melanocephala, is a stately wading bird from the heron family Ardeidae. It stands at an impressive 85 cm in height, with a wingspan stretching to 150 cm. Its plumage is predominantly grey, with a darker shade above and a paler grey below. The bird is named for its striking black head, which contrasts with its grey body. A powerful dusky bill completes its commanding appearance.
When identifying the black-headed heron, look for its large size, nearly matching that of the grey heron. Its black head and neck, along with the grey body, are key distinguishing features. In flight, observe the slow wingbeats and the retracted neck, a common trait among herons. The white underwing coverts are particularly noticeable when the bird is airborne.
This heron is commonly found in a variety of wetland habitats throughout sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It is comfortable in both shallow water and dry grasslands.
The black-headed heron is widespread across much of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It is mainly a resident species, though some individuals from West Africa may migrate northward during the rainy season.
The black-headed heron exhibits typical heron behavior, often seen feeding in shallow waters or stalking prey in grasslands. It is known to stand motionless, waiting for prey, or to slowly stalk its victim with stealth and precision.
The vocalizations of the black-headed heron include a distinctive loud croaking, often heard during dusk at heronries.
Breeding typically occurs in the wet season. The black-headed heron nests in colonies, which can be found in trees, reedbeds, or even on cliffs. It constructs a bulky stick nest and lays a clutch of 2 to 4 eggs.
The grey heron is the species most similar in appearance to the black-headed heron, but it can be differentiated by its size and coloration, particularly the grey heron's lack of a black head.
A versatile predator, the black-headed heron feeds on a diet that includes fish, frogs, large insects, small mammals, and birds. It employs both passive and active hunting strategies, either spearing its prey with its sharp bill or stalking it on land.
17-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - PUKU (Kobus vardonii)
Puku stand about 80 cm (31 in) at the shoulder and weigh from 70 to 80 kg (150 to 180 lb). The puku is sandy brown in colour, with the underbelly a slightly lighter brown. The coat is rougher than that of the similar-sized southern reedbuck, lechwe or impala, or the smaller oribi. Males have horns which are ridge-structured, 50 cm (20 in) long, and lyre-shaped.
There are two subspecies, the Senga Puku (Kobus vardonii senganus) and the southern puku (Kobus vardonii vardonii).
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)