Madagascar pond-heron

Ardeola idae

During the breeding and nesting season, Madagascar pond herons are snow-white. Outside this period, their plumage takes on an increasingly brownish hue.

Red List

Endangered

The Madagascar pond-heron belongs to the genus of crested herons. Visually, they are characterised by the crest of feathers on their head, from which they take their name.

Madagascar pond-herons breed only in Madagascar and Aldabra. However, they can also be found in Central and East Africa, where they do not breed.

Taxonomy

Herons (Ardeidae), Little Egrets (Ardeola, 6 species)

Habitat

Wetlands, lakes, rivers, forests, mangroves, coastlines

Migratory behaviour

In October, they exhibit migratory behaviour and migrate from Central and East Africa to Madagascar and Aldabra. In May, they exhibit migratory behaviour and migrate westwards again towards Central and East Africa. However, some birds no longer exhibit migratory behaviour.

Social structure

highly social; live in colonies during the mating season; formerly in groups of up to 1,000 animals, but now in much smaller groups

Taxonomy

Herons (Ardeidae), Little Egrets (Ardeola, 6 species)

Habitat

Wetlands, lakes, rivers, forests, mangroves, coastlines

Migratory behaviour

Social structure

highly social; live in colonies during the mating season; formerly in groups of up to 1,000 animals, but now in much smaller groups

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During the breeding and nesting season, Madagascar pond herons are snow-white. Outside this period, their plumage takes on an increasingly brownish hue.

Taxonomy

Habitat

Migratory behaviour

Social structure