Squacco Heron

Ardeola ralloides

Very rare vagrants from Southern Europe about 2 per year in Britain & 20 records for Ireland, mostly in April-May.

They breed in Spain & France from May-September.

Winters in Europe & Africa. 

Adults in Breeding Plumage have long neck feathers & blue base to the bill.

At rest this is a Brown Heron, in flight the wings are white like an Egret's.

Non breeding plumage are tawny color, lighter streaking, smaller bill, and narrower wing tips.

First British Record was in July 1820 at Ormesby Broad, Norfolk.