Squacco Heron
Ardeola ralloides
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Squacco Heron is a small, stocky heron with distinctive buff-brown plumage and white wings. Its back and crown are streaked with dark brown, while the neck and chest display fine brown striations. The bird has a robust blue-green bill and greenish-yellow legs.
During the breeding season, adults develop long, white plumes on their heads and back. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have darker streaking and lack the ornate plumes.
Size
Length
40cm to 49cm
Wingspan
76cm to 84cm
Weight
225g to 370g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Buff Brown
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Blue Green
Leg Colour
Green Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Squacco Herons inhabit a variety of freshwater and brackish wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and the edges of lakes and slow-moving rivers. They are found across southern Europe, much of Africa, and parts of western and southern Asia.
During breeding season, they are more common in Europe and western Asia, while wintering populations concentrate in sub-Saharan Africa. In the UK, they are rare vagrants, occasionally spotted during migration.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Squacco Heron. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Squacco Heron demonstrates remarkable agility through its precise hunting techniques, quick striking ability, and capacity to freeze and blend with vegetation. Their ability to stalk prey with deliberate movements in shallow water whilst maintaining balance shows excellent coordination.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst capable of carrying nesting materials and catching prey, the Squacco Heron is a relatively small heron species (40-49cm length, 225-370g). Their strength is sufficient for their lifestyle but modest compared to larger herons.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These herons show strong adaptability through their diverse habitat usage across multiple climate zones, from temperate to tropical regions. They can thrive in various wetland environments and adjust their behaviour for different hunting conditions, including using their wings as shade to improve hunting success.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally peaceful birds that prefer solitary foraging, Squacco Herons show limited aggression. Whilst they may defend their nesting territory during breeding season, they're known to nest in loose colonies with other heron species, suggesting relatively low aggressive tendencies.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
As long-distance migrants capable of travelling between Europe/Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, Squacco Herons possess considerable endurance. Their ability to maintain hunting positions for extended periods and their successful adaptation to various climatic conditions further demonstrates their stamina.
Diet
Squacco Herons primarily feed on small fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. They also consume crustaceans, molluscs, and occasionally small mammals or reptiles.
These herons often hunt by standing still or slowly stalking through shallow water, quickly striking at prey with their sharp bill.
Behaviour
Squacco Herons are often solitary foragers, stalking prey with slow, deliberate movements in shallow water. They frequently adopt a hunched posture with their neck retracted.
When disturbed, these herons may freeze in place, stretching their neck upwards to blend in with the surrounding vegetation.
Vocalisation
The Squacco Heron is generally quiet, but it does vocalise during breeding season and when alarmed. Its most common call is a harsh, guttural 'krraaak' or 'karrr'.
During courtship, males may produce a series of soft, croaking sounds to attract females.
Nesting & Breeding
Squacco Herons typically breed in loose colonies, often with other heron species. Pair formation occurs at the breeding grounds, with males performing elaborate courtship displays to attract females.
Nests are platform structures made of sticks and reeds, usually built in trees or dense reedbeds close to water. Females lay 4-6 pale blue eggs per clutch.
Both parents share incubation duties for about 22-24 days. The chicks fledge after 30-35 days but may return to the nest for several more weeks to be fed by their parents.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Squacco Herons face threats from habitat loss and degradation of wetlands.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats across their range, particularly in their breeding and wintering grounds.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Squacco Herons in shallow freshwater or brackish wetlands
- Observe early morning or late afternoon when they are most active
- Listen for their distinctive, harsh 'krraaak' call
- Watch for their habit of freezing in place when alarmed
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include large birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks, as well as mammals like foxes and wildcats, particularly targeting eggs and young.
Did You Know?
- Squacco Herons can change colour rapidly, their bill turning from yellow to blue when excited.
- They have been known to use their wings to create shade over water, possibly to reduce glare and improve their ability to see prey.
- The name 'Squacco' is thought to derive from an Italian dialect word describing their harsh call.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Ardeola ralloides. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22697123A131940696.
View source - 2
report, 2015: Wetlands International
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