Lava Heron

By Christopher Minster

The Lava Heron (Butorides sundevalli) is very similar in appearance to the Striated Heron: they’re the same size and shape, and have roughly the same coloration. You can tell them apart easily, however: the Striated Heron has a black crown and dappled wings, whereas the Lava Heron is a uniform gray color. Some experts believe that the heron has adapted to blend in easily with the lava rocks of Galápagos. During mating season, male Lava Herons develop brightly colored feet and his beak turns a glossy black. The Lava Heron is also called the Galápagos Heron because it is endemic to the islands.

The Lava Heron perches on rocks or branches in mangroves, tidal pools and along any shore where small crabs and fish can be found. It waits, still as a stone, before suddenly lunging forward to snap up its prey. They are very efficient hunters and fishers: some Lava Herons have been observed catching up to three small crabs per minute.

Lava Herons are less shy than its cousins, the Striated and Great Blue Herons: if you move slowly, you can get quite close to them before they spook and fly off.