The squacco heron is a small heron, 44–47 cm long, of which the body is 20–23 cm (8–9 in), with 80–92 cm wingspan. It is of Old World origins, breeding in southern Europe and the Greater Middle East.
Region
Mediterranean Basin and Middle East
Typical Environment
Breeds widely around wetlands in southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and winters mainly in sub‑Saharan Africa. It favors shallow freshwater habitats such as marshes, reedbeds, slow rivers, lakeshores, and rice paddies. In Africa during the non‑breeding season it also uses floodplains, seasonal pools, and irrigated farmland. It generally avoids exposed marine coasts but may occur in brackish lagoons and deltas with dense emergent vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small heron looks warm buff and rufous at rest, but flashes almost entirely white wings in flight, making identification easier. In breeding season it develops long, delicate nape plumes and a bluish bill with a dark tip. It often hunts by standing motionless at the water’s edge, striking quickly at passing prey. Colonies may include mixed heron species in reedbeds or trees near wetlands.
Ardeola ralloides eggs
Temperament
solitary and wary
Flight Pattern
steady, shallow wingbeats with neck retracted
Social Behavior
Feeds mostly alone or in loose groups along vegetated water margins. Nests colonially, often alongside other herons and egrets, building a platform of twigs or reeds in dense vegetation or low trees. Pairs are seasonally monogamous; clutches typically contain 3–5 eggs and both parents incubate and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from colonies, giving low, harsh croaks or grating calls when disturbed. At breeding sites it utters guttural squawks and gruffs during displays and territorial interactions.
Plumage
Warm buff to rufous upperparts and neck in breeding plumage with long, silky nape plumes; more streaked and brownish outside breeding. Wings are bright white and very conspicuous in flight. Underparts pale buff to creamy white; crown slightly darker with fine streaking.
Diet
Takes small fish, amphibians, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small reptiles. Hunts by standing and waiting or by slow stalking, striking rapidly with the bill. It may use foot‑stirring to flush prey and will exploit temporary pools and rice fields rich in invertebrates. Opportunistic and adaptable to varying water levels.
Preferred Environment
Shallow margins of freshwater wetlands, reedbeds, and vegetated banks where cover meets open water. Frequently uses rice paddies, flooded meadows, and irrigation canals, especially during migration and winter.
