Squacco Heron

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Danube Delta, Romania • May 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Squacco Heron
Latin: Ardeola ralloides
Other: Crabier Chevelu (Fr)
Family: Ardeidae • Herons

Squacco Herons line many of the canals in Danube Delta.

Adults have blue beaks with black tips. Lores are sometimes bright green (see above), presumably in courtship. Feet are yellow-orange and legs orange-pink becoming redder during courtship.

Plumage of juveniles (below) and winter adults is strongly streaked around the neck. Legs are greenish and beaks less blue.