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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. |