Humblot's Heron

Humblot's heron has a uniform dark gray plumage on its body and darker feathers on its forehead and chin. Its nape feathers are elongated to form a crest. It has a large, pale bill as well as pale eyes and legs. Humblot's heron is 92–100 cm (3.02–3.28 ft) tall. Its body weight can range between 1–1.6 kg (2.2–3.5 lb). The bill length ranges from 13–14.93 cm (5.12–5.88 in) while the bill depth ranges from 2.45–2.69 cm (0.96–1.06 in).

Humblot's heron is endemic to the island of Madagascar and is most commonly found in the coastal lowlands of southern, western and northern Madagascar. Small populations have also been found in the neighboring islands of Comoros and Mayotte. There has been one recorded and accepted observation of the heron in mainland Africa, in a game reserve in Tanzania. The total population of Humblot's heron in Madagascar was estimated in 2006 at 1,000 to 3,000 individuals.

Humblot's heron inhabits fresh, brackish or saltwater wetlands. It prefers tidal areas but also inhabits lakes, rivers, mangroves and estuaries. It is found most commonly at low elevations but has been recorded up to an altitude of 1,500 m (4,900 ft). It does not migrate, however it is able to disperse over long distances, as shown by its presence in mainland Africa.

Humblot's heron primarily eats medium and large-sized fish as well as crustaceans. They forage on floating vegetation in clear, shallow water or in the ingoing and outgoing tides. They are passive feeders, therefore they remain stationary for long periods of time, often hunched or with their neck extended over the water. After catching their prey, they will fly to solid ground to consume it.