Habitat
Densely vegetated forest, frequenting tree-fringed streams, mangroves, islands in large rivers and lakes, and the wooded margins of marshes. Occasionally reedbeds.
Scattered populations in Africa south of Sahara, from Senegal to northern Angola, and through Zaire to Tanzania; southern from Zambia and northern Botswana to eastern South Africa.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 25,000 - 100,000 (2010).
Status LC
Habitat loss and degradation through overgrazing, increased water offtake, soil erosion and poor river management, and clearing of riparian vegetation for agriculture are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Feeds singly or in pairs. It is strictly nocturnal, requiring secure day-roosting spots such as high trees or very dense marsh and forest vegetation.
Food
Little known but probably small fish, amphibians, molluscs, crustaceans, flying ants, flies and other insects.
White-backed Night Heron (Gorsachius leuconotus) [XC890609]
by Marc Anderson from Kafue National Park, Zambia (song)
White-backed Night Heron (Gorsachius leuconotus) [XC890610]
by Bram Piot from Kafue National Park, Zambia (song)
Nest
A platform composed of sticks, usually well hidden and built low over water in trees or bushes, occasionally away from water in trees, bushes, reedbeds, mangroves, or on rocks, rock piles on islands or rocky shores in caves, but very rarely in exposed positions.
Subspecies
Birds of South Africa occasionally differentiated in subspecies natalensis.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet