A large, greyish heron of terrestrial habitats. Slightly smaller than the grey heron, with contrasting dark flight feathers and pule underwing coverts in flight. Black crown and hindneck contrast with white throat. Underparts grey. Bill and legs black.
Juveniles have a slate-grey crown and hindneck and buff wash on the foreneck. Underparts paler. Differs from the juvenile grey heron by its dark ear coverts, black legs (lacking the yellow base), and contrasting underwing pattern.86 – 94 cm. 1.2 – 1.9 kg.
Common resident and local nomad in grassland, fields and scrubland, as well as marsh fringes although it seldom forages in the water. Breeds colonially (up to 50 pairs) in reeds or trees, often with other herons, egrets, cormorants and ibises.
Birds of Southern Africa (2020).
F*CK FISH 