Squacco Heron
Scientific Name: Ardeola ralloidesMaltese Name: Agrett Isfar
Family: Bitterns & Herons (Ardeidae)
Occurence: Regular
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
A beautiful little heron, mostly sandy and buff in colour, revealing its startling white wings in flight. It is usually seen in waterside vegitation, blending perfectly with the reedbed. It feeds by catching small aquatic creatures with its bill after long, patient minutes of waiting and watching. It nests in thick willows or dense reeds, in a loose colony or with other herons and egrets.
Status:
Regularly seen during migration(mostly in Spring); Mostly singles, some in flocks.
When to See:
April till May. Late August till October.
Where to See:
May be seen flying over from anywhere during migration. Mostly seen at Simar Nature Reserve where a few individuals spend some time, mainly in spring. Can be seen also at Ghadira and Salina.
Photographs:
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Adult Squacco Heron, Simar Nature Reserve |
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| Squacco Heron catching its prey at Simar Nature Reserve | Landing Squacco Heron, Simar Nature Reserve. |
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Juvenile Squacco Heron, Simar Nature Reserve |
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| Squacco Heron waiting for its prey, Simar Nature Reserve | Flock of Squacco Herons |
Watch a video of the Squacco Heron:
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