All You Need To Know About A Black Heron Bird

Lake Bunyonyi is known as the second deepest lake in Africa with a depth of about 900m. It lies between Kisoro and kabale districts which are close to the border of Rwanda. Lake Bunyonyi Uganda is beautifully dotted with over 29 Islands and the most common ones include the Akampene Island, which is mostly known as the punishment Island, Bwana, Kyahugye, Njuyeera, Bucuranuka, Bushara. All these Islands have got many bird species that can be enjoyed by the many bird watchers that visit the Lake.

The word “Bunyonyi” is in a local language meaning “birds” and the main reason as to why this lake was given this name is because it’s a home to a very wide range of bird species. Lake Bunyonyi takes its name from the abundant birdlife that call it home. Over 200 species are found here, including: Pied kingfisher, Malachite kingfisher, Cinnamon-chested Bee eater, Bronzy sun bird, Pied wagtail, grey shrike, Grey crowned crested crane, Hadada ibis, Swamp fly catcher, Black heron, Great cormorant, Fan-tailed widow bird, Streaky seed eater, Speckled mouse bird, Pin tailed whyder, bronze manikin, Black-headed weaver and Golden-backed weaver. Because it’s a bird’s haven, many travelers have enjoyed Uganda birding safaris on their Africa safari to this destination.

Apart from seeing these birds, the tourists can also take part in some other activities including the spot fishing, boat rides, cultural walks, camping, the bamboo walks that are guided trails and these have been established and are so recommended for anyone who may be looking for a long stretch, nature walks and many more. This lake can be visited throughout the year.

This same lake is also home to many otters, the crayfish. As compared to many other birding destinations within the country, Lake Bunyonyi is the most convenient place for the visitors since one gets to sit and relax on the lake shores as you view the bird species in the sky.

In this post we review the Black Heron

The Black Heron is a medium-sized of about 42.5–66 cm in height, black-plumaged heron with black bill, legs and yellow feet. In breeding plumage, it grows long plumes on the crown and nape.

The Black Heron prefers shallow open waters, such as the edges of freshwater lakes and ponds. It may also be found in marshes, river edges, rice fields, and seasonally flooded grasslands. In coastal areas, it may be found feeding along tidal rivers and creeks, in alkaline lakes, and tidal flats.

The bird has an interesting hunting method called canopy feeding. It uses its wings like an umbrella and uses the shade it creates to attract fish. This technique was well documented on episode 5 of the BBC’s The Life of Birds. Some have been observed feeding in solitary, while others feed in groups of up to 50 individuals, 200 being the highest number reported. The black heron feeds by day but especially prefers the time around sunset. The primary food of the black heron are small fish, but it will also eat aquatic insects, crustaceans and amphibians.

The nest of the Black Heron is constructed of twigs placed over water in trees, bushes, and reed beds, forming a solid structure. The heron nests at the beginning of the rainy season, in single or mixed-species colonies that may number in the hundreds. The eggs are dark blue, and the clutch is two to four eggs.

We can tailor for you a short Uganda wildlife safari to any of the National Parks in Uganda. Are you interested in tracking gorillas or chimpanzees? We can arrange a Uganda gorilla safari and a chimpanzee trekking safari Uganda as part of your Lake Bunyonyi safari Uganda.