User:ChlorineA

Taxonomy
Humboldt's heron is part of the subfamily Ardeinae, which are known as "typical herons". Humboldt's heron has been suggested to be a darker morph of the grey heron due to their many similar physical characteristics. Humboldt's heron was formally described by Henri Milne-Edwards and Alfred Grandidier in 1885.

Local Malagasy names for Humboldt's heron include "Kisirano", "Langaro" and "Langaroko", however these names are also associated with different species of herons, such as the grey heron.

Description
Humboldt's heron has a uniform dark gray plumage on its body and darker feathers on its forehead and chin. Its nape feathers are elongated to form a crest. It has a large, pale bill as well as pale eyes and legs.

Humboldt's heron is 92-100 cm tall. Its body weight can range between 1-1.6 kg. The bill length ranges from 13-14.93 cm while the bill depth ranges from 2.45-2.69 cm.

Distribution and Habitat
Humboldt's heron is endemic to the island of Madagascar and is most commonly found in the coastal lowlands of southern, western and northern Madagascar. Small populations have also been found in the neighboring islands of Comoros and Mayotte. There has been one recorded and accepted observation of Humboldt's heron in mainland Africa, in a game reserve in Tanzania. The total population of Humboldt's heron in Madagascar was estimated in 2006 at 1,000 to 3,000 individuals.

Humboldt's heron inhabits fresh, brackish or saltwater wetlands. It prefers tidal areas but also inhabits lakes, rivers, mangroves and estuaries. It is found most commonly at low elevations but has been recorded up to an altitude of 1500 m. It does not migrate, however it is able to disperse over long distances, as shown by its presence in mainland Africa.

Diet
Humboldt's heron primarily eats medium and large-sized fish as well as crustaceans. They forage in clear shallow water on floating vegetation or in the ingoing and outgoing tides. They are passive feeders, therefore they remain stationary for long periods of time, often hunched or with their neck extended over the water. After catching their prey, they will fly to stable ground to consume it.

Reproduction
There is little information known about its breeding cycle. Nesting has been observed year-round. Nests are typically on the ground and surrounded by dense aquatic vegetation. They are also found in trees 5-12 m tall. In Mayotte, Humboldt's heron were found to nest in mangroves.

The Humboldt's heron's nest is mostly made of sticks and reeds and is approximately 50-70 cm in diameter. Their eggs are blue and the typical clutch size is 3 eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs.

Vocalizations
Their vocalizations are similar to the vocalizations of the grey heron. It is an irregular barking sound that lasts 0.5-1.0 s. Humboldt's heron is also known to rattle its bill quietly while in its nest.