Heron & Egret

Herons and Egrets of the Galapagos

Herons and egrets are among the most graceful and widespread coastal birds of the Galapagos, often seen stalking the shores, mangroves, and lagoons in search of prey.

These elegant waders play an important role in maintaining the islands’ delicate ecosystems by controlling populations of fish, crabs, and insects.

Great Blue Heron

The largest of the Galapagos herons, the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) stands nearly a meter tall with a wingspan close to two meters. Its blue-grey plumage, long dark legs, and distinctive S-shaped neck make it an unmistakable sight along beaches and lagoons.

Feeding on fish, crabs, lizards, and even young iguanas, it is a skilled hunter. Great Blue Herons nest year-round, building platforms of twigs in mangroves or on cliffs.

Great White Egret

Also known as the Common Egret (Ardea alba), this elegant all-white bird is slightly smaller than the Great Blue Heron. With a yellow bill, black legs, and long plumes during breeding season, it cuts a striking figure against the island landscape. Great White Egrets are found in lagoons, coastal zones, and highland farms, feeding on fish, insects, and occasionally small birds.

Snowy Egret

The smaller Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) is an occasional visitor to the islands. With a slender black bill, black legs, and bright yellow feet, it is an agile feeder along rocky shores and shallow lagoons. Although not known to breed in the Galapagos, it can sometimes be seen during seasonal migrations.

Cattle Egret

The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a more recent arrival, first recorded in the 1960s. Originally native to Africa and Asia, it has spread globally and is now breeding across several Galapagos Islands. This compact white heron often follows tortoises or grazers, feeding on insects stirred up from the ground. During breeding, its head and back take on a buff hue, and the bill turns yellow-orange.

Lava Heron

Endemic to the Galapagos, the Lava Heron (Butorides sundevalli) is a small, blue-grey species found along rocky coastlines and mangrove lagoons. Adapted to volcanic surroundings, it is a solitary hunter, often seen stalking Sally Lightfoot crabs or diving after fish. Its coloration darkens during breeding, when the male’s bill turns black and the legs bright orange.

Striated Heron

Closely related to the Lava Heron, the Striated Heron (Butorides striatus) has a wider distribution beyond the Galapagos but can also be found on several islands. It has a dark blue-grey back and greenish tinge on the wings, with fine brown and white streaks across its chest. It feeds on small fish, crabs, and lizards, frequenting mangrove lagoons and rocky shores.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

The Nyctanassa violacea is a nocturnal hunter recognized by its striking black and white facial markings and pale crown plumes. Preferring mangrove groves and coastal areas, it feeds mainly on crabs, locusts, and insects. It can also be seen in towns and villages at night, taking advantage of lights that attract its prey.

Together, the herons and egrets of the Galapagos are a reminder of the islands’ adaptability and diversity. Whether seen wading through lagoons or silhouetted against a volcanic shore, they remain among the most captivating figures in the archipelago’s coastal habitats.