The Lava Heron is a remarkable native species on the archipelago. Adult herons have uniform gray feathers, making them difficult to identify. Although it gives them a drab appearance to human eyes, this hue allows them to blend in with the lava rocks where they reside and hunt. These lovely but little birds have a noticeable short crest on their heads, a striking black beak, and gray legs that become a vibrant orange during the mating season. Small fish, crabs, lizards, and insects are the primary foods of the Lava Heron. They can be spotted feeding around the sheltered shorelines of the islands. On one of our Galápagos trips, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these birds hunt crabs and fish, spearing them first before consuming them. Moreover, the Lava Heron is seen as a solitary bird and they become very territorial about their nests.