We love seeing all your heron snaps coming through on SafariSnaps, but these two often catch people out: the Grey Heron and the Black-headed Heron.
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) • Pale grey overall with a white neck and head • Distinct black eye-stripe that extends into a crest • Yellow bill
Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) • Grey body but darker overall appearance • Black head and neck with white streaking down the neck • Dark bill
Top Tip: If you see it near water with a pale neck and dagger-like bill ready for fish - it’s likely a Grey Heron. If it’s stalking through grass with a darker neck and head, it’s probably a Black-headed Heron.
Keep these tips in mind when tagging your heron snaps. |