Black-headed Heron

Ardea melanocephala

Other Names

    Héron mélanocéphale, Héron à tête noire   Schwarzhalreiher   Garza Cabecinegra   Svarthuvad häger   Zwartkopreiger   Airone testanera

World: Africa from Senegal and Gambia East to Somalia and Ethiopia and South to South Africa. Widespread South of 15° North

Kenya: Widespread and common. Less common in the very dry North-East

This is the most common large heron in Kenya. Unlike most of the other members of the genus it is often found far from permanent water in grassland, cultivated areas and forest clearings. It forages in open country and grassland taking rodents and large insects. It often breeds in towns and villages, usually in colonies, sometimes with other species