The Squacco Heron, Ardeola ralloides, is a small
heron, 40-49 cm long with 82-95 cm wingspan. It is of Old World origins, breeding in southern
Europe and the
Middle East. It is a
migrant, wintering in
Africa. It is rare north of its breeding range.This is a stocky species with a short neck, short thick bill and buff-brown back. In summer, adults have long neck
feathers. Its appearance is transformed in flight, when it looks very white due to the colour of the wings. Their breeding
habitat is marshy wetlands in warm countries. They nest in small colonies, often with other wading birds, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. 3-4
eggs are laid.
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