Humblot's Heron Ardea humbloti Scientific name definitions

"This new Heron, which by the shape of its beak and its size is very similar to the preceding species [Gray Heron], is entirely of a slate gray with the feathers of the top of the head elongated and darker; the wing coverts are lighter and ashy in color...

This Heron, which is deposited in the galleries of the Museum of Natural History in Paris, was killed on the eastern coast of Madagascar by a French naturalist traveler, Mr. Leon Humblot, who made fine collections on this island and to whom we dedicate it with pleasure.

The Betsimisaraka give this bird the name of "Vandanitra" (literally: "heron of the sky")."

–Milne-Edwards and Grandidie, in 'Histoire, Physique, Naturelle et Politique de Madagascar' (1 Milne-Edwards, A., and A. Grandidier (1879-1885). Histoire Physique, Naturelle et Politique de Madagascar. Imprimerie Nationale, Paris. Close )

With those spare words, the Humblot's Heron entered the scientific record in 1885. Remarkably little has been learned about this species in the intervening years, with many basic details of its life history remaining poorly known or completely unknown. This large heron is similar in size and shape to the much more widespread Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) and Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala). It is mostly uniform dark-gray, with a darker cap, attenuated ornamental plumes on the back, and bare parts that vary in color with breeding status and age. Humblot’s Heron is a scarce endemic to the western Indian Ocean region. It is most common on Madagascar, mainly along the west coast, but also occurs on some of the Comoro Islands. Its habitats include salt, brackish, and freshwater wetlands, primarily in the lowlands along and near the coast, though there are records from the interior up to moderate elevations. This species' diet consists of fish and crustaceans, which it hunts by standing motionless for long periods, waiting for prey to approach, sometimes in fairly deep water, both on tidal flats and in freshwater wetlands. Although mainly solitary, Humblot’s Heron is occasionally found in loose association with other herons and egrets. The breeding habits are poorly studied, though nests have been documented both alone, and in loose colonies, and can be on cliffs or in trees, usually in association with other heron, egret, and ibis species.

Humblot’s Heron has a small range, and is scarce within that range. Its preferred habitats are among those most consistently and heavily impacted by human activities such as hunting, fishing, and cultivation. Its population is estimated to be no larger than a couple thousand individuals, though the population may be more stable now than it was in the 1980s, when drastic declines were underway. It is considered an Endangered species by IUCN.