Lava Heron
Lava herons ( butorides sundevalli )
The lava herons ( butorides sundevalli or - as a subspecies of Mangrovereihers butorides sundevalli striata ), also called Galapagos Heron, is a wading bird of the heron family. Its distribution is limited to the Galapagos Islands. The systematic classification of the Lavareihers is controversial. In the standard work " The Herons " he is classified as a subspecies of Mangrovereihers. Undeniably, there are some morphological differences occurring in South America subspecies. Genetic studies suggest, however, see no sufficient difference to award this heron a separate species status.
Description
The lava herons is a small heron reaches a body length of 35 centimeters and a wingspan of 63 centimeters. The weight is 193-235 grams. On average, the weight is 214 grams. The beak is up to 6.35 inches long and is gray.
The lava herons is considered a dimorphische ( sub) Art The majority of occurring on Galapagos herons are completely dark colored with a blue-gray Crest, which is a very unusual plumage coloration in the scarlet macaw. Other occurring on the Galapagos herons have gray plumage coloration, as is characteristic for the present in South America subspecies of Mangrovereihers. The longitudinal stripes in this lighter morphs are gray-brown. When the lava herons threatened or anxious feeling, then he gives shrill sounds like " keyow " or " keuk " by itself.
Way of life
The lava herons feed on small fish, crabs, lizards, insects and decapods. Also, some small birds belong.