- Black Heron
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo =Ciconiiformes
familia =Ardeidae
genus = "Egretta "
species = "E. ardesiaca"
binomial = "Egretta ardesiaca"
binomial_authority = (Wagler , 1827)The Black Heron, "Egretta ardesiaca", also known as the Black Egret, is an
Africa nheron . It is a medium-sized (42.5–66 cm in height), black-plumaged heron with yellow legs and feet. It is found south of theSahara Desert , includingMadagascar , and prefers shallow open waters, such as the edges of freshwaterlakes andponds . It may also be found inmarshes ,river edges,rice fields , and seasonally floodedgrasslands . Incoastal areas, it may be found feeding along tidal rivers and creeks, alkaline lakes, andtidal flats . Its breeding range is betweenSenegal andSudan and to the south. It is found mainly on the eastern half of the continent.The Black Heron has an interesting hunting method called canopy feeding — it uses its wings like an umbrella, and uses the shade it creates to attract
fish . This technique was well documented on episode 5 of the BBC'sThe Life of Birds . Some Black Herons feed solitarily, while others feed in groups of up to 50 individuals, 200 being the highest number reported. The Black Heron feeds by day but especially prefers the time around sunset. It roosts communally atnight , and coastal flocks roost athigh tide . The primary food of the Black Heron is small fish, but it will also eat aquaticinsects andcrustaceans .The nest of the Black Heron is constructed of
twigs placed over water intrees ,bushes , and reed beds, forming a solid structure. The heron nests at the beginning of therainy season , in single or mixed-species colonies that may number in the hundreds. The eggs are darkblue and the clutch is two to four eggs.References
* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
* [http://www.answers.com/topic/black-heron]
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