What to Know About the Black Heron in Uganda?

The Black Heron in Uganda is one of the African birds in Uganda seen during Uganda birding safaris. Also known as the black egret is the darkest of the herons. It’s a medium sized bird with length 52-55cm, wingspan 90-95cm and weighs about 300g.

It is widely spread in sub Saharan Africa. In Uganda, the black heron is located along the banks of river Nile in Murchison falls national park.

A boat cruise on river Nile provides a spectacular observation of the black egret.

How Does the Black Heron in Uganda Look Like?

The black heron has overall black plumage with bluish grey-gloss. The coverts are long and broad. Its head crown has a bushy crest made with black feathers, the eyes are bright yellow, while the bill and legs are dark.

The black egret has bright orange feet and during breeding, its toes turn red. The male and female are similar while the juveniles have no long feathers and they are duller and browner.

How Does the Black Heron in Uganda Sing and Make Calls?

The black egret is frequently silent however it can utter a deep squawking voice like that of heron’s calls when fishing in colonies.  The black heron can also give a harsh call in defense of its nest.

How Does the Black Heron in Uganda Feed?

The black heron feeds either in group or alone, it is known for its clinical fishing tactics. Walks gently or quickly in shallow water, skating over the water, standing still for a couple of seconds as its feet jams the mud down to frighten the preys.

The intention of this method is to avoid reflecting sun and allow the bird to clearly see fish and preys better.

The preys are jabbed with the bill while the wings are closed. They feed mainly on fish, but also on crustaceans, and aquatic insects.

How Does the Black Heron in Uganda Nest?

Their nest is made of twigs, roots, branches and grass. Built above water about 6 meters in the trees, shrubs or reed beds.

They nest at the start of the rainy season in single or mixed colonies even over hundreds. Sometimes they do not build nests but instead roost on trees around the water.

How Does the Black Heron in Uganda Reproduce?

The female black heron lays between 2-4 pale-blue eggs, incubation by both parents may last up to 30 days but it’s not clear.

One week after hatching, the chicks are covered with dark grey down, greenish legs and yellow feet.

By two weeks after hatching, the juveniles are darker because of the black plumage that starts to grow.