Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)

Overview:

The Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) is an elegant bird from the heron family, known for its distinctive coloration and discreet behavior. With golden-beige plumage in summer and a graceful posture, this heron is a fascinating presence in the wetlands of southern and eastern Europe, Africa, and western Asia. In Romania, it is a regular species and breeds in the Danube Delta and other lowland regions rich in lakes and channels.

Description:

  • Romanian name: Stârc galben

  • English name: Squacco Heron

  • Scientific name: Ardeola ralloides

  • Size: Length: 40-49 cm | Wingspan: 80-92 cm

  • Weight: 230-370 g

  • Lifespan: Up to 10-12 years

  • Presence in Romania: Common, breeding species

  • Frequency: Relatively frequent in wetlands

  • Status: Protected species

Characteristics:

The Squacco Heron is a medium-sized bird with beige-golden plumage in summer and a duller appearance outside the breeding season. It has a short, sharp beak and long, greenish legs. In flight, it is notable for its bright white wings, which contrast sharply with the rest of its body.

Habitat and Distribution:

The Squacco Heron prefers wetland habitats such as lakes, canals, marshes, and floodplains with abundant vegetation. It is found in southern and eastern Europe, Africa, and western Asia, with European populations migrating to North and Central Africa for the winter.

Distribution in Romania:

This species is regularly found in the Danube Delta, the Danube floodplains, and other wetlands in the southern and eastern parts of the country. It is frequently observed in mixed colonies of herons and cormorants.

Behavior:

The Squacco Heron is a solitary or semi-colonial bird that prefers to remain hidden in vegetation, where it waits patiently for its prey. It feeds on small fish, amphibians, insects, and crustaceans, which it captures with a quick movement of its beak.

Conservation Status and Threats:

The Squacco Heron is considered a species of Least Concern (LC) globally, but its populations are affected by wetland destruction, pollution, and human disturbance. In Romania, major threats include wetland drainage and intensive fishing.

Where can it be observed?

The Squacco Heron can be seen in the Danube Delta, the Danube floodplains, and other wetlands in Romania, especially in spring and summer.

Fun Facts:

  • Outside the breeding season, the Squacco Heron has much duller plumage, blending into the vegetation.

  • It is a fast and agile flier but prefers to move slowly through reeds.

  • During breeding, adults develop long ornamental feathers on their heads.

Conclusions:

The Squacco Heron is a spectacular and important bird for Romania’s wetland ecosystems. Although it is not globally threatened, protecting its habitats is crucial for maintaining a healthy population in Romania. Through responsible behavior and wetland conservation, we can ensure that this elegant bird remains part of the country’s natural landscape.

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