The squacco heron (Ardeola ralloides) is a small heron named after its piercing ‘squawk’ call . The scientific name comes from Latin ardeola, a small heron (ardea), and ralloides, Latin rallus, a rail and Greek -oides, "resembling". The Squacco Heron frequents a wide variety of wetlands in Europe, parts of the Middle East, and Africa. It stands motionless at the water edge, or hidden in the tall vegetation – usually, only the head and neck are visible.