Striated Heron

The Striated Heron, also known as the Mangrove Heron, Little Green Heron, or Green-backed Heron, is a diminutive member of the heron family. It stands approximately 44 cm tall and is characterized by its blue-grey back and wings, white underparts, and a distinctive black cap. A dark line extends from the bill to under the eye, and the bird's legs are short and yellow. Juveniles display a browner plumage above and are streaked below.

Identification Tips

Adult Striated Herons can be identified by their blue-grey plumage on the back and wings, contrasted with white underparts. The black cap and the line extending from the bill under the eye are key features. Their yellow legs are relatively short. Juveniles are distinguishable by their browner and streaked appearance.

Habitat

The Striated Heron favors small wetlands within the Old World tropics, ranging from West Africa to Japan and Australia, as well as in South America and the Caribbean.

Distribution

This species is mostly sedentary, with its range encompassing the Old World tropics from West Africa to Japan and Australia, and extending to South America and the Caribbean. Vagrants have been recorded on various Oceanic islands.

Behaviour

The Striated Heron is known for its patient hunting strategy, standing motionless at the water's edge to ambush prey. It is more visible than many of its small heron counterparts. Intriguingly, it has been observed using bait, such as a feather or leaf, to attract fish.

Breeding

The Striated Heron's nest is a platform of sticks, often located in shrubs or trees near water, though sometimes on the ground in sheltered areas. The clutch consists of 2-5 pale blue eggs. Unique behaviors have been noted at the nest, such as an adult bird making rapid sewing machine-like motions with a stick, though the purpose of this behavior remains a mystery.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Striated Heron primarily includes small fish, frogs, and aquatic insects. They are known to use baiting techniques to catch fish.

Conservation status

The Striated Heron is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is widespread and generally common. This status is maintained regardless of whether the Lava Heron is included as a subspecies or not.