a comprehensive resource of avian nutrition research for captive bird populations

General heron & egret information

Ardeidae

Ciconiiformes - Ardeidae - Herons & Egrets

General heron & egret information - Night heron

© L Peat

General heron & egret information - Night heronGeneral heron & egret information - Little Egret

Wild diet: Carnivorous - generally aquatic prey; fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, small mammals and various aquatic invertebrates. Studies have shown that adults fish eating species need to consume around 16% of their body weight. Captive Grey Herons require 330 - 500g of food daily as a minimum

Feeding strategy: Capture prey in or beside water Generally stand motionless next to water, waiting until prey item is close enough to spear with beak Cattle egret will follow large mammals, feeding from disturbed insects & prey items.

Species dietary differences: Cattle egret, Whistling & Black-headed herons feed further from water.

Captive data information

Examples of diets in use

There are no diets in use yet for the General heron & egret information.


Please keep us up-to-date and contact us with your own updates or new diets used for the General heron & egret information.

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