Common name: Little Heron
Scientific name: Butorides atricapilla
Family: Ardeidae

Size:
Body length: 40–49 cm
Wingspan: 70–90 cm
Weight: 200–350 g

Identification:
A small, stocky heron with a relatively short neck and compact appearance. The crown and back are dark greenish-black, while the wings are greyish and the underparts are pale grey to whitish. The legs are yellow to greenish, and the bill is dark. It often appears hunched when at rest, blending well into shaded vegetation.

Habitat:
Wetlands, mangroves, riverbanks, lakes, ponds, and coastal areas. Often found in shaded or vegetated water edges.

Status in the UAE:
Resident and locally common. Widely distributed in wetlands and coastal habitats.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds on fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates.

Behavior:
A solitary and patient hunter. Often stands still at the water’s edge before striking quickly at prey. May also stalk slowly through shallow water. More active at dawn and dusk but can be seen during the day. Nests in trees or shrubs near water.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)