Lava heron

Butorides sundevalli

EndemicWater and landNot evaluated

The lava heron is a small, dark slate-gray heron endemic to the Galápagos, its plumage matching the black lava rock of the shorelines where it hunts. It stalks small crabs, fish, and marine invertebrates along coasts, lagoons, and mangroves. Recent research supports recognizing it as a distinct species, Butorides sundevalli, though some authorities still treat it as a Galápagos form of the striated heron.

Best time to see it

Resident year-round along shorelines; nests in mangroves and lava crevices.

Where to see it

Black Turtle Cove
Santa Cruz · Likely sighting
Elizabeth Bay
Isabela · Occasional sighting

Cruises to see this species

Born of FireVisits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"A" itineraryVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"B" itineraryVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"F" itineraryVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
A - North Expedition 4 days - 3 nightsVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (D)Visits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
A NORTHVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
B - West Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Epic Galápagos Expedition Northwest & Southern LoopVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
7-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
"C" itineraryVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
5 days (B)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
8 Days (B)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
A5 NORTHVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary A (5 days)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary B (4 days)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary A: The Volcanic Heart Circuit
4-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary A: The Volcanic Heart Circuit
4-day expedition · Galápagos