all blue-black plumage (Zoo; 2012-09-19)


Black Egret
Egretta ardesiaca

Native Range: Africa

Notes: a small egret with an all blue-black plumage; shows many head and body plumes, especially when breeding; has an unusual feeding style; when hunting in shallows, it hunches over and spreads its wings just like an umbrella, thereby creating a shady patch that may attract fish and/or allow it better to see its prey.

plumes extending from the head, back, and breast (Zoo; 2012-09-19)
orange or yellow feet and toes; dark legs (Zoo; 2012-09-19)

ready to start hunting a fish (Zoo; 2012-09-19)
hunting by spreading its wings like an umbrella (Zoo; 2012-09-19)

perched in a tree(Zoo; 2012-10-09)