Lava Heron
A species of Green-backed herons Scientific name : Butorides sundevalli Genus : Green-backed herons
Lava Heron, A species of Green-backed herons
Botanical name: Butorides sundevalli
Genus: Green-backed herons
Content
Description General Info
Description
The adult is slate-grey to black, which allows it to blend in with the hardened lava. The back feathers typically have a silvery sheen and it has a short crest on its head. When breeding, the heron has a black beak and bright orange legs, but these fade to grey after the breeding season.
Feeding Habits
Lava Heron prey on small crabs and fish with a slow stalking and quick spearing technique. They consume flies around cacti and sometimes smaller birds, exhibiting a diverse diet with unique opportunistic behaviors.
Dite type
Piscivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
These highly territorial birds are found in intertidal zones and mangrove swamps on all of the islands of Galápagos Province.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Pelicans and Relatives Family
Herons Genus
Green-backed herons Species
Lava Heron