Colours

Distinguishing features

It is among the smallest herons on earth. It has a short neck, longish bill and buff underparts. The male's back and crown are black, and the wings are black with a large white patch on each wing. The female has a browner back and a buff-brown wing patch. (Wikipedia)

Size

Wingspan

Synonyms

Distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

They are native to the Old World, breeding in Africa, central and southern Europe, western and southern Asia, and Madagascar. Birds from temperate regions in Europe and western Asia are migratory, wintering in Africa and further south in Asia, while those nesting in the tropics are sedentary. It is rare north of its breeding range. (Wikipedia)

Diet

It eats fish, insects and amphibians. (Wikipedia)

Web resources