Κρυπτοτσικνιάς (Ardeola ralloides) ~ Ποταμός Αναποδάρης -Νότια Κρήτη

- Κρυπτοτσικνιάς (Ardeola ralloides) στον ποταμό Αναποδάρη (νότια του Νομού Ηρακλείου)
- Αναποδάρης ποταμός νότια του Νομού Ηρακλείου, Κρήτη 6-5-2020
Ardeola ralloides is a small heron that is quite common, although difficult to observe. It belongs to the class of Pelargomorphs, to the family of Herodes and the Genus Erodisikos. It is a migratory species, arriving in the nesting areas in March and leaving around September. There is no dimorphism between the sexes in terms of size or other characteristics. It has a short neck and legs compared to other herons. The color of the adults is striking, the head, neck and upper back are light yellow-reddish brown, the wings have the same color. The lower back, abdomen, wings and tail are white. The beak is yellow with a black tip and the legs are yellow. During the breeding season it acquires an intense reddish-red color while its white parts do not change color, the beak becomes blue, with the tip always black, and the legs take on a pink hue. Its head is adorned with long reddish and black feathers that reach to its shoulders. The young look like adults during the non-breeding season. The Ardeola ralloides are a solitary heron, although it is not uncommon to see them in small groups and it is common to be with other species in the family. It is not a noisy bird and its sound is heard only during the breeding season. During the day it stays in the vegetation and leaves late in the afternoon near sunset to hunt. It feeds on frogs, which are its favorite food, insects and small fish, all small in size. During the breeding season, which in Greece is between May and July, the pairs that build their nest in bushes and trees are usually created together with other species of herons ...