From Opus

Revision as of 19:23, 10 January 2011

Alternative name: Galapagos Heron

Butorides sundevalli

Photo by GordonH
Location: Galapagos

Identification

• Length 35 cm (14in)
• Overall blackish-grey
• Black bill
• Yellow eyes
• Yellowish legs

• Brighter when breeding

Juvenile

• Brownish
• Whitish-buff streaking to head, neck and underparts
• Spotting on wings

Similar Species

Juveniles are essentially identical to juvenile Striated Heron.

Distribution

Endemic to the Galapagos Islands, where fairly common.

Taxonomy

A monotypic species.

B. (striata?) sundevalli

Some authorities (Clements, 2007) lump sundevalli within Striated Heron (B. striata). However, Howard & Moore (2003) and Sibley & Monroe (1996) treat it as a full species and the Opus awaits further clarification.

Habitat

Mainly in coastal areas.

Behaviour

Diet

Feeds on fishes, crabs and other small animals found near the shore. Breeding is year-round, whenever conditions are suitable.

Breeding

The nest is built low in bushes (mainly mangrove) or under rocks.

External Links