Madagascar Heron vs Black Heron

Ardea humbloti compared with Egretta ardesiaca

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Madagascar Heron Black Heron
Scientific Name Ardea humbloti Egretta ardesiaca
Order Pelecaniformes Pelecaniformes
Family Ardeidae Ardeidae
Conservation Status Endangered Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 89.8 cm (35.4 in) 49.0 cm (19.3 in)
Weight 1060.0 g (37.39 oz) 330.0 g (11.64 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 3 2-4
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Madagascar Heron only

Black Heron only

None

Conservation Status

Endangered

Madagascar Heron

Least Concern

Black Heron

About These Birds

Black Heron

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.

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