Black Heron vs Forest Bittern
Egretta ardesiaca compared with Zonerodius heliosylus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Black Heron | Forest Bittern |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Egretta ardesiaca | Zonerodius heliosylus |
| Order | Pelecaniformes | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae | Ardeidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 49.0 cm (19.3 in) | 60.6 cm (23.9 in) |
| Weight | 330.0 g (11.64 oz) | 802.0 g (28.29 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Black Heron
Near Threatened
Forest Bittern
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.