this neck short, stout body, generally head and back dark, ventral white or gray, short legs is ready to get fish.

bird wildlife animal beak nature reflection water waterbird wing seabird shorebird wetland ducks waterfowl night family ardeidae herons bitterns body long color plumage black metallic sheen whitish southern europe asia north america africa south ussr inhabits part european middle migrates winter banks rivers shores ponds lakes active nests colonies trees greenish eggs clutch parents period feed fish frogs invertebrate animals medium-sized neck short stout generally head back dark ventral white ready fish