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Observed Behavior – Great Egret and Great Blue Heron (GBH) Cooperating while fishing

Mike Davis

Is this unusual behavior? These 2 large wading birds – Great Egret and Great Blue Heron were not only tolerating one another but seemed to be working together to harvest large minnows. I have observed the 2 species numerous times -oftentimes combative, especially if one were to fly into the other’s “territory.” The combative behavior usually consisted of loud squawking, wing flapping, and an overt display of aggression between both species.

A quick Google search to investigate if the Egret and the GBH cooperate while feeding yielded no confirmation or denial. I did read that Egrets and GBH will sometimes share a rookery area, but their nests were not in close proximity to one another. What was confirmed is the mutual irritation of the two species when one or the other gets too close.

Unusual? Rare? I can only say that I have spent many years fishing and hunting in marsh areas and this was the ONLY time I have seen these great birds seemingly working together while fishing.