Squacco Heron

Ardeola ralloides

Other Names

    Crabier chevelu, Héron crabier   Rallenreiher   Garcilla Cangrejera   Rallhäger   Ralreiger   Sgarza, Sgarza ciuffetto

World: Ranges widely from the British Isles and central Europe south to South Africa.

Kenya: Locally common on lakes, swamps and other bodies of water with floating or bordering vegetation. Less common in the North-East.

Although Squacco Herons are a very common sight in Kenya, their breeding range is very limited. The only regular site is close to the coast on the Tana river (near Garsen), although it occasionally breeds at other sites such as Lake Jipe. It's possible that some of the birds in other areas are non-breeding migrants. The bird pictured above with the plumes on the head is in partial breeding colour. In full breeding plumage the bill becomes blue and black and the legs and feet turn red.