Gorsachius leuconotus
White-backed Night Heron
A medium-sized (50-55 cm), rare, nocturnal, and secretive heron of slow-flowing rivers with overhanging vegetation; the species' type locality is Senegambia, and it breeds widely from Senegal and The Gambia across sub-Saharan Africa. It roosts hidden in dense vegetation by day and is most likely encountered at dusk or on a guided night/river excursion.
Identification
Black head with a short crest, large red eyes ringed with white, pale yellow lores, a white throat, rufous neck and breast, and a diagnostic white triangular patch on the lower back (visible mainly in flight or when agitated) — the key feature separating it from other regional night herons.
Want to see the White-backed Night Heron?
Join Yaya on a trip to one of the sites below, or ask about an itinerary built around it — he'll help you plan the best way to find it in the field.
Where to find it
North Bank Region, River Gambia
Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, on the north bank of the River Gambia roughly opposite Tendaba, was the first site in The Gambia designated under the Ramsar Convention and is recognised by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area. Its mangrove creeks, tidal mudflats, saltmarsh and flooded savanna support a rich mix of resident waterbirds, raptors and Palearctic migrants, typically explored by boat from Tendaba Camp.
Tours that target this bird
A carefully paced 15-day tour from the Atlantic coast through the mangrove-lined River Gambia and into the eastern part of the country, balancing serious birding with rest, wildlife and Gambian culture. Around 300 species are possible depending on season.
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A comprehensive birding, wildlife and nature tour combining the finest habitats of The Gambia with Northern Senegal's Saloum Delta — coastal wetlands, mangroves, woodland, rice fields, savannah and riverine forest, plus a boat excursion to the Scissor-tailed Kite colony at Kousmar.
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