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17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - BLACK HERON (Egretta ardesiaca)
The black heron, also known as the black egret, is a medium-sized bird, cloaked in an alluring black plumage that is complemented by a similarly hued bill and contrasting yellow feet. During the breeding season, it adorns itself with elegant long plumes that grace its crown and nape, adding to its mystique.
To identify the black heron, look for its distinctive black coloration and yellow feet. The bird stands between 42.5 to 66 cm tall and weighs approximately 0.27 to 0.39 kg. The breeding plumage, with its extended plumes on the head and neck, is particularly noteworthy.
The black heron is partial to shallow open waters, where it can be found along the edges of freshwater lakes and ponds. Its habitat also extends to marshes, riverbanks, rice fields, and seasonally flooded grasslands. In coastal regions, it frequents tidal rivers, creeks, alkaline lakes, and tidal flats.
This species is patchily distributed throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Sudan down to South Africa, with a strong presence on the eastern half of the continent and in Madagascar. There have been occasional sightings in Greece and Italy.
The black heron is renowned for its unique hunting method known as canopy feeding, where it creates a shade with its wings to lure fish—a behavior that has captivated audiences in documentaries. It can feed solitarily or in groups, sometimes amassing in numbers up to 200. These herons are diurnal feeders with a preference for dusk and roost communally at night. Coastal flocks are known to roost at high tide.
Adept at fishing, the black heron's diet primarily consists of small fish, but it will also consume aquatic insects, crustaceans, and amphibians to satisfy its nutritional needs.
The black heron nests at the onset of the rainy season, either alone or in mixed-species colonies that can number in the hundreds. Its nests are constructed from twigs and are situated over water in trees, bushes, or reed beds. The eggs are described as dark blue, and a typical clutch comprises two to four eggs.
17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - WHITE HEADED LAPWING (Vanellus albiceps)
The White-crowned Lapwing, also known as the White-headed Lapwing, White-headed Plover, or White-crowned Plover, is a medium-sized wader that presents a striking appearance. Its upper body is adorned with a brown back, while the wings and tail exhibit a bold black and white pattern. The underparts are a clean white. The head is particularly distinctive with a grey base, a brilliant white crown, and a white foreneck. Adding to its unique visage are the yellow eyering, facial wattles, and legs. Both sexes and juveniles share a similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.
When attempting to identify the White-crowned Lapwing, look for the unmistakable combination of its white crown, grey head, and the contrasting black and white patterns on its wings and tail. The yellow eyering and wattles are also key features that aid in its identification.
This species is typically found in tropical Africa, favoring habitats near large rivers. It thrives in areas where sand or shingle is exposed, providing suitable breeding grounds.
The White-crowned Lapwing is a resident bird throughout tropical Africa, maintaining a presence year-round near its preferred riverine environments.
The White-crowned Lapwing is known for its breeding behavior, where it lays 2-3 eggs in a ground scrape near rivers. It is fiercely protective of its nest and young, defending them with vigor against any potential threats, regardless of size. Outside of breeding season, it is common to see these birds feeding in small flocks, where they forage for insects and other small invertebrates.
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