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Boat-billed herons breed during the rainy season and have been recorded as producing two clutches during this time, laying their first clutch in February during the end of the dry season. [13] Their clutch sizes range from two to four eggs, with more eggs being laid during the first nesting period than the second. [16]
Trees and bushes are the preferred location for nests, the herons will usually build in high branches away from the trunk. A pair can use the same nest for years, enlarging it every season; the first nest is usually just large enough to hold the eggs. Nest-building is not the result of successful courtship, but rather an active part of the ...
Herons' bills and other bare parts of the body are usually yellow, black, or brown, although this can vary during the breeding season. The wings are broad and long, exhibiting 10 or 11 primary feathers (the boat-billed heron has only nine), 15–20 secondaries, and 12 rectrices (10 in the bitterns).
Its breeding season coincides generally with the start of the rainy season, which is around November to March. In some areas, breeding is year around, with no discernable peak season. Breeding may not occur every year. Fairly adaptable in their nesting site selection, Goliath herons generally prefer to nest on islands or islands of vegetation.
Great blue herons build a bulky stick nest. Nests are usually around 50 cm (20 in) across when first constructed, but can grow to more than 120 cm (47 in) in width and 90 cm (35 in) deep with repeated use and additional construction. [42] If the nest is abandoned or destroyed, the female may lay a replacement clutch.
A beaver pond along Ellerbe Creek is home to a thriving population of great blue herons and egrets. One day a road could cut through it. State proposes preserving Durham heron nesting grounds.
In these populations, the breeding season is determined by rainfall and consequent prey availability. [4] [5] [6] Green herons are seasonally monogamous. The pairs form in the breeding range, after an intense courtship display by the males, who select the nesting sites and fly in front of the female noisily and with puffed-up head and neck plumage.
It is notable as the site of the only breeding colony of kōtuku or white heron (Ardea alba modesta) in New Zealand, comprising 100–120 birds. Royal spoonbills and little shags also breed alongside the kōtuku. The breeding colony is a visitor attraction during the breeding season, but access to the entire nature reserve is by permit only.