Taken by  Francisco Perez

with SV41 pro spotting scope

Key Identifying Characteristics:

• Cap and Crest: A distinct dark, greenish-black cap that can be raised into a small crest when the bird is excited or alert.

• Neck Coloration: A rich chestnut or reddish-brown neck with a white line streaking down the throat and breast.

• Wing Plumage: The wings are a dark, iridescent green or blue-grey, often showing pale edging on the feathers that creates a scaly appearance.

• Eyes: Bright, piercing yellow irises.

• Body Shape: A small, stocky heron with relatively short legs compared to other heron species. It often hunches its neck into its shoulders while perching.

• Bill: A long, sharp, dark bill (dagger-like) used for spearing fish and insects.