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FAMILY: HERONS |
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Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
A characteristic feature of this large beautiful bird during its majestic smooth flight is the neck folded in a s-shape (see the photo below). The grey heron is able to adapt perfectly to various conditions of dwelling: from wood brook with boggy fenny banks — up to the seacoast. If only there is enough food. And though they are very cautious birds, they can become accustomed to man. Where they are not pursued, they can nest even in the center of large cities, for example, in Stockholm and Amsterdam.
Grey herons seldom build their nest solitarily, apart from others; usually they do it in colonies on the tops of trees; some of such colonies exist for centuries. In one colony, there can be nestlings of quite different age. The parents feed them about every 2 hours; they can look for food on distance up to 3 kms from the colony. If fledglings leave the nest, the parents continue feeding them on the ground. Grey herons feed on fish, insects, mice-like animals, and even snakes. |
