Not too much imagination was used when naming our endemic species here in the archipelago; they are either "Galapagos," "Darwin's" or "Lava!" In this picture, taken during our last walk along the coastline of Santiago Island, we can see a lava heron preening its feathers. The reason it was given this name is pretty obvious, as its gray coloration gives it a perfect camouflage against the background of volcanic rock predominant in the island. This is of vital importance to a skilled predator such as this bird. It is very feline in its hunting: stalking, waiting motionless for the right opportunity, then pouncing on its prey, which is quite often the colorful Sally Lightfoot crab.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 21 Jan 2000
From the Polaris in the Galapagos, 1/21/2000, National Geographic Polaris
- Aboard the National Geographic Polaris
- Galápagos
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