Heron

The heron is a tall and silent fishermen. The heron has long legs, and stands in ponds and lakes motionless until a fish, frog, crab, or anything edible comes along. If it spies food, it will shoot its long neck out to spear it with its beak. This bird has a large appetite and a wide variety, meaning it will eat almost anything that comes (or swims) its way. Anything leftover (such as bones, hair, and insect casing) is regurgitated into pellets.

The only food that a heron really had 'trouble' with is the eel- the eel will wrap itself around the bird's beak and will get away. The heron NEVER fishes alone, however- it is a very social bird and nests and feeds with several other pairs of herons. The nests are built by the females high in the trees, so as to protect from predators.

 Like storks, herons use the same nest for years- but it is not always the same herons. Young herons leave the nest as soon as they can fly and often go far away from home. Herons stand about 3 feet tall fully grown (sometimes taller!) and belong to the Ardeidae family. This family has 63 species in it, all of which are scattered around the world.

Some of the more 'notable' species include the ibis, the bittern, and the egret.