Slaty Egret
Braunkehl Heron ( Egretta vinaceigula )
The Braunkehl Heron ( Egretta vinaceigula ) is a heron species in the genus Egretta. He has an unusually small area of distribution and is only found in the south central Africa. He is one of the least known species of herons. For a long time he was considered a subspecies of the bells heron. However, it differs in its habitat requirements, his physique and his eating habits, so that it is now a broad consensus to classify him as an independent species.
Appearance
The Braunkehl heron reaches a body length of 43 centimeters and weighs 250-340 grams. The ground color of the plumage is a dark blue-gray, which, however, can appear almost black on field observations. The beak is narrow and dark. The iris is yellowish. The throat and chin and front neck are reddish brown. On the back are elongated feathers, which form a little gray hair. Longer springs are also found on the lower neck and the back. The underside of the wings is cream-colored to pale blue-gray. The legs are yellowish gray to yellow-green.
The Braunkehl Heron is similar in appearance to the very bells herons. He is, however, built a little easier. The main distinguishing features are the reddish brown throat and yellow legs, both of which are missing the bells herons.
Area of distribution, inventory and habitat
The center of the distribution area of the Braunkehl Heron is the Okavango Delta, which is located in northwestern Botswana. This inland delta in the middle of the semi-arid Kalahari with over 20,000 square kilometers, is one of the largest and richest animal wetlands in Africa. The distribution area of Braunkehl heron stretches may consist of up to the Chobe River in Botswana and to Captivi Strip in Namibia. There are isolated reports of other wetlands such as in Zambia and Namibia and Angola. However, it is not known whether this is to permanently resident breeding populations. The stock size has only been investigated very sparse. There are probably fewer than 5,000 Braunkehl herons.
The habitat of the brown -throated herons are seasonally flooded areas. His food he seeks preferably in shallow water zones. Open water he visits rarely. He thinks he's usually there on where higher vegetation offers him protection. Because of its specific habitat requirements and its small distribution area he is regarded as a potentially endangered species In particular, a change in its habitat can have a strong impact. Thus disappeared Braunkehl Heron in previously populated areas after there dammed a river or reeds were burned.
Way of life
The Braunkehl heron seeks its food mainly in the aquatic environment with a water level of less than 10 centimeters. He moves in heron typical fashion by he walks slowly or remains silent for a long time in one place. Quite often he digs with his feet on the ground. For food range includes snails, which he reads of lily pads, dragonflies, frogs, tadpoles and small, five to 10 centimeters long fish. He is mainly active during the day with activity highlights at dusk. The rest time is spent in trees or in the reed belt. He is often associated with other herons and storks.
The breeding season begins after the peak of the floods. The nests are built in small colonies. He is often associated with the Rotbauchreiher. The nest usually consists of three eggs. The incubation period is 21 to 24 days.