The Great Blue Heron
Social Behaviour
The Great Blue Heron is a sociable species that sometimes forms
large flocks on feeding grounds and breeds in colonies. When the prey
is unequally distributed and moving continually (e.g., a school of
fish), a lone bird will take much longer to find it than a bird
belonging to a flock, which can head for the right spot as soon as
another member of the flock discovers the food. However, scientists
are still uncertain why herons nest in colonies.
Great Blue Herons also flock together for protection against
predators. The sudden disorderly flight of a large number of birds may
even confuse a predator, thus reducing the likelihood of actual kills.
Source: Hinterland's Wildlife
Who's Who
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