From Opus

Also Known As Lava Heron

Butorides sundevalli

Photo by GordonH
Locality: the Galapagos.

==Identification== L. 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

Often considered a subspecies of the Striated Heron.

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.

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