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WetlandPlatform nestLarge · 480 g
ID tip
The white-backed night heron is 50–55 cm (20–22 in) in length with a black head and a short crest, or prominent feather display on the top of its head. The heron has large red eyes with white-ringed markings around them, and the lores, or the region behind the eye, are a pale yellow hue. The throat feathers are white, whereas the neck and breast are rufous, or a reddish-brown hue. There is a notable white triangular patch along the back formed by the white scapulars, or small feathers, on the shoulder of the bird. The belly feathers are a whitish-brown and the legs are yellow.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the White-backed Night Heron
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the White-backed Night Heron
The map shades 25 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Rwanda.
About the White-backed Night Heron
The white-backed night heron is a species of medium-sized heron in the family Ardeidae, found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Slaty EgretEgretta vinaceigulaUntil 1971, the slaty egret and more widespread black egret Egretta ardesiaca were thought to be colour morphs of the same species but the slaty egret shows consistent features which separate it from the black egret.
Malagasy Pond HeronArdeola idaeMalagasy pond herons grow to 45–50 cm (18–20 in) in height and anywhere from 250–350 g (9–12 oz) in weight.
Zigzag HeronZebrilus undulatusThe adult plumage is gray with fine zigzag barring, with a pale underside, standing about 32 centimetres (12+1⁄2 inches) in height.
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