Black heron unique hunting technique
The master deceiver!!
The black heron feeds mainly on fish and employs a unique feeding technique — it lures prey to the surface of the water by forming a canopy with its wings. The black heron walks about slowly, intermittently spreading its wings over its head like an umbrella, maintaining this pose for 2-3 seconds. The canopy reduces glare and forms shade — this attracts fish, its favorite prey. The black heron spears a fish with its long, pointy bill, and swallows it whole, usually head first, to avoid the fish’s spiny fins. This bird also feeds on crustaceans and aquatic insects that it stirs up by raking its feet along the muddy bottom.
This was taken at Amboseli N.P