Amazing Herons

By: Lainey

Description

A heron is about feet (1.8m) tall. Herons have a wing span of up to 6 feet (1.8m). They weigh just over 2 kg. Their height is 1m. They live up to 15 years. Females look like the males but smaller. The largest heron is the great blue heron.

Habitat• Herons live in swamps, marshes, shores, tide

flats. They do not live in Antarctica and high mountains, dry deserts. Water and land are both necessary for this bird. Either salt or fresh water, can be its fishing grounds. But, this bird needs an island or woody swamps nearby so they have a place to build their nests.

FoodHerons eat: fish, snakes, frogs, shrimps, insects, crabs, small birds and animals, lizards, rodents, rats, ducklings, chipmunks. They don’t have teeth. But, they can swallow there food in one gulp.

Babies• Heron nests are made of twigs and sticks.

They build in trees or on different ground. Females lay 3 to 7 eggs in each clutch.

Protection and Enemies• Herons have beaks to protect them. Ravens,

crows, gulls, and vultures steal their eggs.

Interesting Facts.• Herons nest in colonies called rookeries.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR• Hi, my name is Lainey and I like blue,

sandwiches, swimming, and drawing. I am 9 years old.