Galápagos heron (Butorides sundevalli)

Scientific Classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Ciconiiformes
Family:	Ardeidae
Species:	Butorides sundevalli
Common:	Galápagos heron

The Galápagos heron (or lava heron) is a species of heron endemic to the Galápagos Islands. It can be found on all islands of the archipelago.

Identification

Adults

The adult Galápagos heron is slate-grey, which helps it blend in with the hardened lava. The back feathers typically have a silvery sheen and it has a short crest on its head. When breeding, it has a black beak and bright orange legs, but they fade to grey after the breeding season.

Adult Males

Adult male Galápagos herons are slightly larger and more colorful than females, particularly during the mating season.

Immature

Immature birds are mostly brown in color, with streaking on the breast, a dark crown, and a grayish back.