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The Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, common throughout much of Africa south of the Sahara, and Madagascar. It is mainly resident but some west African birds move further north in the rainy season.
This species usually breeds in the wet season in colonies in trees, reedbeds or cliffs. It builds a bulky stick nest and lays 2-4 eggs.
It feeds in shallow water, spearing fish or frogs with its long, sharp bill. It will also hunt well away from water, also taking small mammals and birds. It will wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim.
The Black-headed Heron is a large bird, standing 85 cm tall, and it has a 150 cm wingspan. It is nearly as large as Grey Heron, which it resembles in appearance, although it is generally darker. Its plumage is largely grey above, and paler grey below. It has a powerful dusky bill.
The flight is slow, with its neck retracted. This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills, which extend their necks. The white underwing coverts are striking in flight.
The call is a loud croaking.
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