Counting on Africa
Educational Childrens Books Publisher
Heron
Wading silently through the shallow waters of Southern Africa's rivers, dams, and marshes, herons are the patient and graceful fishermen of the bird world. These tall, elegant birds are masters of stillness, often standing like feathered statues for so long that you might miss them completely! With their long, sharp beaks that work like speedy spears and their impossibly long legs for wading, they are perfectly designed to hunt. In a flash of movement too fast to see, a heron will strike, catching a fish, a frog, or even a unlucky dragonfly for its lunch.
From the huge, grey Goliath Heron to the secretive, night-feeding Black-crowned Night-Heron, these amazing birds are a beautiful and important part of the wild waterways.
DID YOU KNOW?
BIG Birds
The Goliath Heron is the world's largest heron species. It is so big and wary that it often acts as an unofficial "alarm system" for other animals, who listen for its deep, loud squawk as a warning that danger might be near.
Figure "S"
To fly, a heron tucks its long, snake-like neck into a tight "S" shape, while its legs stream out behind like a pair of rudders, creating a very distinctive silhouette in the sky.
One Big Family
Herons are closely related to egrets, bitterns and even the Hamerkop!
There are many different species of heron, found all over the world!
Some heron species use their wings to create a shadow to spot prey in the water.
The largest species of heron is the Goliath Heron.
There are many different species of heron, found all over the world!
