White-backed Night Heron
NameWhite-backed Night Heron
Common NameWhite-backed Night Heron
Scientific NameGorsachius leuconotus
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)57.5
Length (cm)52.5
Weight (g)450
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark grey crown and upperparts, a rufous neck and breast, and a distinctive white stripe down the center of the back (often concealed). The face features yellow lores and eyes, contrasting with a dark bill. Legs are yellowish-green.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but may emit a deep, guttural 'kraak' or 'honk' when disturbed or in flight, particularly at dusk or dawn.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, forest, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across sub-Saharan Africa, from West Africa (e.g., Senegal, Gambia) east to Ethiopia and south through central and eastern Africa to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesRufous neck and breast, Dark grey upperparts and cap, Yellow eyes and lores, Nocturnal behavior, White stripe down the back (often concealed)
Description
This medium-sized, nocturnal heron is characterized by its rufous neck and dark grey upperparts. It is a shy bird, typically found solitary or in pairs near water bodies in forested or densely vegetated areas, where it hunts at night.
