Who is Who: Great Blue Herons

Great Blue Herons… I am writing this article, because my friend Johann have asked me about Herons. So, I will try my best and tell him about these unusual birds.

Appearance

These birds are native to most of North and Central America. Adults are approximately 1 m high and their necks usually outstretched. Herons weigh near 2.5 kg. As a rule, they create an impression of being tall and very thin, everything (wings, bill, legs, and even neck) are very long. What I like the most about herons - their walking and flying (while in flight, the neck is doubled back). There are 5 species of herons, the only one difference is in plumage and size.

Articulation and habitat

Frankly speaking, Blue Herons are not very vocal birds. There is a general set of sounds, for example, telling about danger or approaching the nest, but not more than that. Great Blue Herons nest on islands or in wooded swamps, actually, it is not a whim, it is a kind of protection from mammals and snakes. They can nest both alone or in colonies.

Feeding

The Great Blue Heron feeds in calm freshwater and along seacoasts. Small fish considered to be their main source of food. Sometimes, they also eat shellfish, various rodents, insects, frogs, and even small birds. The fishing techniques are very interesting to view. At the beginning a bird stand motionless, with its neck extended at an angle of about 45 degrees as to the water’s surface. It is incredible to enjoy its eyes and head looking for prey. When it notices a potential meal, the heron moves one leg forward and then immediately its body unbends, and its head dives into the water, so it catches the prey in its bill.