🐦

Black Heron

Egretta ardesiaca

Least Concern
Wingspan
49.0 cm
Weight
330.0 g
Family
Ardeidae
Order
Pelecaniformes

The Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) is a bird species in the family Ardeidae (herons & egrets), within the order Pelecaniformes (pelicans & herons). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 49 cm and a weight of 330 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.

On this page

About

The Black Heron is a medium-sized, all-black heron famous for its unique canopy-feeding technique, in which it spreads its wings like an umbrella over the water to create shade and attract fish. It inhabits shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, and flooded grasslands across sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It feeds primarily on small fish and aquatic invertebrates attracted to the shade created by its distinctive wing canopy.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Wingspan 49.0 cm 19.3 in
Weight 330.0 g 11.64 oz

Habitat & Range

Conservation Status

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Clutch Size

2-4

Taxonomy

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Pelecaniformes (Pelicans & Herons)
Family Ardeidae (Herons & Egrets)
Genus Egretta
Species Egretta ardesiaca

Distribution

Black Heron has been recorded in 1 countries.

Present Not recorded

countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Black Heron endangered?
The Black Heron has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How big is the Black Heron?
The Black Heron has a wingspan of 49.0 cm, weight of 330.0 g.
What order and family does the Black Heron belong to?
The Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) belongs to the order Pelecaniformes and the family Ardeidae.

Similar Birds

Other species in the Ardeidae family

Compare

Explore More

Explore the Nature FYI Family