Has the black heron lost its head? Actually it has developed a unique way of foraging.
Aware that fish are drawn to shaded areas (where they are less conspicuous to most predators), the bird fans its wings to form an umbrella. It holds this position for a few seconds while it wiggles its yellow toes to attract the unsuspecting fish.
The crafty fisherman is found across much of sub-Saharan Africa and likes to ply shallow waters or subsiding pools where fish are more easily trapped.
A kak-kak-kak squawk may alert you to its nest, built of sticks in a bush or reedbed. |
