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The gray heron

The gray heron

The well-known group of herons, is represented in Venezuela by 21 species, between herons and chicuacos. They are distinguished by possessing a very straight and pointed bill, very long legs and, when they fly, their neck conforms a characteristic " S " snake shape.

The Grey Heron is one of these species, and maybe one of the biggest of the group. It inhabits shallow water areas, where their long legs allow them to walk slowly, in order to be able to hunt the fish and crustaceans that cross their wading way.

In the swampy areas like Tacarigua Lagoon, it awaits patiently under the shade of the mangroves. When we navigate near the edge of the mangroves and we come too close, they fly at flash speed, leaving in our mind the fleeting and pleasing image of their elegant flight.

These herons are important elements of shallow waters wildlife communities of coastal lagoons, swamps and rivers, caños, lagoons and tidelands of the Orinoco llanos. They are important fish predators, which also hunt for crustaceans and other small animals. At the same time, their graceful figure and flight adorn the landscape.

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