Search

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR OF STRIATED HERON: Fight, Flight or Fright?

on 15th August 2012

“On the 24th July 2012, I was observing the fishing antics of Striated Herons (Butorides striatus) along the concrete banks of Rochor Canal, where they were seeking out fish prey at the water’s edge with unwavering concentration (above).

“At one particular inlet to the canal, there appeared to be a relatively higher concentration of fish, where the water was shallow and clear – definitely a choice fishing spot from any heron’s perspective. It was at this point that I witnessed the surprisingly aggressive behaviour of one heron being directed towards another, in its effort to stake claim over prime fishing territory. Its demonstration of dominance was eloquently displayed in a variety of postures and gestures that I had not previously seen among Striated Herons.

“Upon confrontation, the hostile heron lowered itself and adopted a spread-eagled posture, with the feathers on its back partially raised (above).

“Next, it flew towards its opponent and stood tall and proud, with neck and legs fully extended, as well as wings outstretched. It maintained this posture, statue-like, for at least one minute (above).

“Thereafter, it tucked in its wings, but stood ground and adopted an upright posture with elongated neck and extended legs, glaring down at its opponent with intimidating eyes for at least three more minutes (above).

“Then, just when I thought the heron had exhausted every trick in its book, it suddenly showed me its fiercest front! Perhaps it was saving its best for last? With its head tucked in, eyes front, neck feathers flared out and back feathers fully erect, the unrelenting heron charged towards its opponent like a fearsome, formidable, feathery fortress on orange feet (above). This trump card display must have given its opponent a fright, as it immediately took wing and selected the option of flight, rather than fight.”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
7th August 1012

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

3 Responses

Leave a Reply to medschneverends Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories
Archives

Overall visits (since 2005)

Live visitors
1037
25418
Visitors Today
51764419
Total
Visitors

Clustrmaps (since 2016)