Feeding Behavior

Usually forages by standing still or walking slowly at edge of shallow water. May perch above water on pilings, stumps, small boats. Forages mostly from late evening through the night, but also by day during breeding season or in unusual weather.

Eggs

3-4, sometimes 1-7. Pale green. Incubation is by both sexes, 21-26 days. Young: Both parents feed young, by regurgitation. Young clamber about in nest tree at 4 weeks, able to fly at about 6 weeks. After 6-7 weeks, may follow parents to foraging areas and beg to be fed there.

Young

Both parents feed young, by regurgitation. Young clamber about in nest tree at 4 weeks, able to fly at about 6 weeks. After 6-7 weeks, may follow parents to foraging areas and beg to be fed there.

Diet

Mostly fish. Diet quite variable; mostly fish, but also squid, crustaceans, aquatic insects, frogs, snakes, clams, mussels, rodents, carrion. Sometimes specializes on eggs and young birds, and can cause problems in tern colonies.

Nesting

Usually first breeds at age of 2 years. Breeds in colonies, of this species alone or mixed with other herons, egrets, ibises, sometimes with Franklin's Gulls. Some colonies occupied for several decades. May begin nesting earlier in season than other herons. Male chooses nest site and displays there to attract mate. Displays include stretching neck up and forward with feathers ruffed up and slowly bowing while raising feet alternately, giving hissing buzz at lowest point in bow. Nest: Site varies with colony situation, from on ground to more than 150' high, in trees, shrubs, marsh vegetation; most commonly 10-40' up and on firm support. Nest (built mostly by female with materials supplied by male) a platform of sticks, flimsy or substantial.