I have seen Great blue herons and Great egrets fishing together quite amiably, but I have never seen aggressive behavior towards each other. This time, the GBH just would not share his fishing spot, and let the GE know it! I wish I could have photographed the actual flurry as they briefly fought, but I was set for birds not moving rapidly and got caught short.
Posted by Mia McPherson on October 1, 2009 at 1:18 AM
Philip,
I have spent many thousands of hours in the field with these species and other species of the long-legged waders. I have seen aggressive behavior between the GBHE and the GREG many times.
It has been my observation that if there is an ample supply of fish in the area the species will feed side by side. They know there is plenty of food.
I have also observed that if fish are few and far between, whether due to tidal influx, weather conditions or other unknown reasons that the birds will fight for their fishing grounds.
The GBHE weighs in at 5.3 pounds, has a length of 46 inches and a wingspan of 72 inches.
The GREG weighs in at a mere 1.9 pounds, a length of 39 inches and a wingspan of 51 inches.
A fight between them is akin to tossing a welter weight boxer in the ring with a heavy weight, the great blue heron has distinct advantages over the smaller, lighter great egret.
Discussion
3 repliesI have spent many thousands of hours in the field with these species and other species of the long-legged waders. I have seen aggressive behavior between the GBHE and the GREG many times.
It has been my observation that if there is an ample supply of fish in the area the species will feed side by side. They know there is plenty of food.
I have also observed that if fish are few and far between, whether due to tidal influx, weather conditions or other unknown reasons that the birds will fight for their fishing grounds.
The GBHE weighs in at 5.3 pounds, has a length of 46 inches and a wingspan of 72 inches.
The GREG weighs in at a mere 1.9 pounds, a length of 39 inches and a wingspan of 51 inches.
A fight between them is akin to tossing a welter weight boxer in the ring with a heavy weight, the great blue heron has distinct advantages over the smaller, lighter great egret.