The black-headed heron is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, common throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It is mainly resident, but some west African birds move further north in the rainy season.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar
Typical Environment
This species is widespread across open country, from grasslands and savannas to agricultural fields, pastures, and the edges of wetlands. It is seen in towns and on road verges, and often forages far from standing water compared with many other herons. Nesting typically occurs in trees, sometimes in small colonies or mixed heronries, and occasionally on cliffs or man-made structures. In drier regions it tracks rainfall and green-up, shifting locally to exploit temporary prey abundance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Unlike many herons, the black-headed heron often hunts far from water, stalking rodents and large insects in open fields and savannas. It frequently exploits human-modified habitats, following ploughs or fires to catch prey flushed from cover. At colonies it can be noisy, with bill-clattering displays during courtship.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
steady, deep wingbeats with neck retracted; strong flier with occasional short glides
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone or in loose spacing, but roosts communally and nests singly or in small colonies, sometimes with other herons. Pairs build stick nests in trees; both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Courtship includes bill-clattering and postural displays.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet while feeding, giving harsh croaks and grating calls in flight. At nesting sites it produces rasping squawks and bill-clattering during displays.
