Butorides striata atricapillus
The Green-backed Heron, also known as the Striated Heron in many parts of its range, is a shy species inhabiting aquatic habitats (swamps, estuaries, lakes, rivers, streams, floodplains and mangrove stands), with a well-vegetated border. Here they feed on a wide-range of mostly water-related prey such as worms, insects, molluscs, crabs, frogs, fish (often attracted with a piece of bait, like floating bread) and even small vertebrates.
These relatively small herons (length 40cm, weight 215g) are mainly active from dusk to dawn. Green-backed Herons are monogamous and pairs usually breed well away from others of their species and only occasionally in small colonies. Their nests are shallow platforms constructed of twigs and reeds in the branches of trees of bushes. They breed throughout the year with a peak coinciding with the rainy season. Clutches of 2-5 eggs are incubated by both parents for 3-4 weeks. The chicks can fly strongly by the time they’re about 5 weeks old.
While this species has a wide distribution across the world (Asia, Australia, the Americas and Africa south of the Sahara), they’re confined mostly to the wetter eastern and northern provinces of South Africa. The IUCN lists the species as being of least concern, though they do note that the population is probably in decline due mostly to loss of habitat.
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Ditto.. same lovely Striated Heron here in Ecuador! They are intensely shy/elusive, but are ultra-patient fishers! As always, it’s a joy to view your features of various species. I recently enjoyed that post about elephants have the right of way — gave me a great chuckle!
Thanks so much for all the support and kind encouragement, Lisa! Isn’t it fascinating to think the same species occurs on two different continents separated by thousands of miles of open ocean. How did they manage that? Or were they already flying around when Africa and South America were still connected? Boggles my mind!
it would be fun to discuss that in person.. we’ll tab that topic and open it again if that ever does happen!!! i think that they started on atlantis, and when it sank, they flew in two different directions – or more!!! yes, i suspect their lineage goes way way back before the written word!
I like the Atlantis theory!
Great photos, Dries. We get the green herons here, but I’ve only seen one in our backyard. They aren’t very common.
Thanks a lot, Sylvia! They’re excellent at hiding and that one may well be in your backyard more often without being noticed.
We have great blue heron here in NB, these are lovely
Our Grey Heron is a close relative of your Great Blue, Kelly. This guy is a lot smaller than those two though.
From your photos I can’t help but think he looks like a gangster. I feel like I’m maligning the poor bird, especially after you described him as shy.
It all depends on your perspective I suppose, Joanne – I don’t think any fish, frog or crab in a pond frequented by a green-backed heron is going to argue with you that he is not a horrible mobster!
hahaha!! good point!
If I was a cartoonist, I would definitely be making the green-backed heron a bad guy! 🙂
😀
Stunning photos of the Green-backed Heron!
Thanks a lot, Hien!
How interesting it is to see a bird such as this one versus the one I’ve posted this week on my blog. Mine is a Night Heron but it looks very similar to yours and sounds like it has similar habits. The most interesting thing about ours I think is their bright red eyes, even in daylight. Loved your photos this week!
Thanks very much, Tina! Your image of the night heron is terrific – it’s a species we know here as well, but I’ve not managed to get a single good photo of it yet. The Heron family is so interesting and diverse.
Your photos are absolutely stunning!!!! I’d love to follow you and your camera around for a day!
Thank you so much for the very kind comment!
They really are small compared to the herons we have around here, but definitely attractive. I sat for some time yesterday observing a heron from a distance and actually saw it drink. 🙂
janet
What a wonderful sighting, Janet! That was your reward for being a patient student of nature.
It was and worth the wait. 🙂
Herons are such fun to photograph!
Especially when they’re as photogenic as these guys!
Stunning photos again. I have seen this little heron on the banks of my sister’s dam. As I am writing this comment I can hear a couple of fish-eagles calling above my head. Aren’t we blessed to have such a wonderful variety of wildlife so close to us here in SA. I so much wish it wasn’t all in decline due to loss of habitat and the pressures that too many humans have on the Natural environment!
I can only agree with all your sentiments, Kim. We really are blessed to have this all virtually on our doorstep, but we must take better care of it!
Beautiful ❤
Thank you very much, Rainsinn
It was a tiny heron but it has a long beak that appears to be an extension of the head.
And the fact that it doesn’t show the long neck typical of most other herons really helps it to blend into the dense vegetation next to the water!
This is a wonderful selection of photographs.
Thank you very much, Anne!
What a beautiful bird!
Aren’t they!?
Interesting little creatures. I think I have seen some specimens without realising that they were part of the Heron-volk because of their size.
Maybe also because they keep their long necks so well hidden the resemblance to other herons can be easily overlooked?