The heron is a large species of bird that inhabits wetlands and areas that are close to lakes, ponds and rivers. Some species of heron are also known as egrets and bitterns instead of being called herons. Find out more!

It is a carnivorous species of bird, with the heron primarily feeding on fish. They also prey on a number of other small animals including amphibians, molluscs, snakes, insects and even small mammals and birds. The heron uses it’s long pointed beak to snatch it’s prey out of the water or from the ground.

Some species of heron are known to breed in colonies but most heron species breed on their own usually in woodland close to water. Herons build their nests in tall trees so that the eggs are safe from the predators on the ground. The nest of the heron is build out try leaves and twigs by both the male and the female.

The female lays an average of 4 eggs per clutch which hatch after an incubation period of around 1 month. Both the male and the female help to incubate their eggs and feed the tiny heron chicks. Herons live for up to 25 years.

Herons are not considered to be threatened or endangered animals although concerns have been raised about the health-risks to the world’s heron populations. Pollution is a major factor in the decline of many animal populations around the world, and pollution in the water can have a devastating effect on the fish which the heron eat.