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During the lava heron nesting season, you’ll find the striated heron (Butorides sundevalli), formerly known as the lava heron, which is unique to the Galapagos Islands. With a stunning slate-grey color that helps it blend in better with the archipelago’s rocky habitat, the Galapagos striated heron is distinguished from its continental counterpart. This lovely bird is frequently observed strolling along the rocky shores at low tide for food. Your time spent in the Galapagos Islands will always be unforgettable because of the unique opportunity to share the islands with its incredible and highly courageous animals.
Choosing an excursion vessel is the most excellent method to guarantee that you will be able to see the most famous kinds of animals in the Galapagos throughout your trip. But also other lovely ones, like the graceful lava heron. With its elegant and nuanced motions, this bird will catch your attention. It’s lava heron nesting season, so if you visit us in October, you’re in for a treat! Thus, be vigilant as they are difficult to identify!
Put on the Orange Boots!
When breeding season arrives, the male lava heron dons his finest attire, much like many other Galapagos birds do, such as frigates with their scarlet pouches and blue-footed boobies with their turquoise feet. Their feet turn bright orange, and their ordinarily grey beak turns deep black when luring in fussy females. However, the luxury is short-lived! As soon as the breeding season ends, they return to being gray.
Intimate Family Compounds
The lava heron is one of the few heron species in Galapagos that nest in solitary pairs, in contrast to other bird species that prefer to live and breed in colonies. Because they live in mangrove swamps and intertidal zones, they build their nests behind lava rocks or on low branches where they can be secure from predators and the intense tropical sun. Most species do not control their mating processes according to the seasons because the Galapagos Islands lack seasons or only exhibit two different ones (hot and dry). Instead, they can determine how much food will be accessible.
During Lava Heron Nesting Season
For the whole breeding season, lava herons are monogamous. Following their discovery of a mate, female lava herons construct their platform-shaped nests, which are invariably situated near the ocean, with the assistance of their male spouse, who searches for tiny branches and twigs to aid in the construction process. They can deposit up to ten eggs, each raised by both parents. The eggs hatch at various times, though. Both parents nurse their offspring for up to eight weeks after they hatch. Within four to eight weeks, hatchlings fledge.
Try to make it challenging to notice lava herons because they tend to remain motionless for extended periods! They’ll make a fantastic picture! So, go on one of our Galapagos Island tours today and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Galapagos!
