GAMBIA BIRD SPECIES

White-backed Night Heron

Gorsachius leuconotus

Overview

The White-backed Night Heron is a secretive waterside bird and a highly prized sighting. Its preference for shaded creeks and overhanging cover makes every encounter feel special.

Identification

Adults are dark above with a diagnostic pale back patch, rich chestnut on the head and neck, and heavy streaking below. Its hunched posture, thick bill and large eyes suit a bird most active in dim light.

Habitat and behaviour

It inhabits quiet mangrove channels, wooded river margins and secluded freshwater edges. Birds often remain motionless beneath dense vegetation during the day, becoming more active around dusk as they hunt fish, frogs, crabs and other aquatic prey.

Birdwatching in The Gambia

The mangrove bolons around Tendaba are among the classic Gambian settings in which to look. Slow boat travel, careful scanning of shaded roots and low branches, and an early start improve the experience, although this species is never guaranteed.

Field note

Keep voices low and watch the darkest recesses beneath overhanging branches. A local guide such as Lamin Jobaate knows how light, tide and water level change the most promising corners of the creeks.

Plan your birdwatching tour: Ask Lamin Jobaate about a private itinerary for this species and The Gambia’s other outstanding birds.