A small, compact white heron with distinctive breeding plumage, commonly found near livestock in grasslands and agricultural landscapes worldwide.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Widespread across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions, inhabiting grasslands, savannas, pastures, wetlands, and agricultural zones with livestock presence.
Ecological Role
Critical pest control species that reduces insect populations around grazing animals, promotes symbiotic relationships with livestock, and serves as an important component of grassland ecosystem food webs.
Morphology
SKIN COATDense white feather coverage, with seasonal variations in plumage coloration during breeding season
LIMBS WINGSRelatively short legs, wingspan of 88-96 cm, adaptable for walking and short-distance flight
HEAD SENSORYShort, thick neck, pointed bill, large eyes with excellent visual acuity for hunting small invertebrates
BODY STRUCTURECompact body, approximately 46-56 cm in length, with average body mass of 0.3-0.4 kg, featuring white plumage with buff-colored breeding feathers
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Giles Laurent
