Search

LITTLE EGRET FISHING TACTICS

on 15th September 2015

“In March 2015, I was enthralled by the diversity of fishing strategies employed by a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) while it foraged along a canal during the low tide (below).

Tactic #1: Statue Pose
“When the egret has found a suitable spot or target zone, it will stay as still as a statue with unwavering concentration (below). If any aquatic prey were to make the slightest movement, it would strike with lightning speed.

“A video clip demonstrating its patience and perseverance may be previewed here:

Tactic #2: Foot Stirring
“In shallower waters, the egret uses either foot to stir under stones and submerged leaves, in order to flush out fish or shrimp that may be taking cover (below).

“Video clips of this tap-dancing technique may be previewed here:

Tactic #3: Wing Flashing
“The most pro-active method involves the prominent flashing of the egret’s wings as it chases after small schools of fish (below). This startles the fish, which may be herded into shallower waters for easier strikes.

“A video clip of this graceful water ballet may be previewed here:”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
30th August 2015

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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

Categories
Archives

Overall visits (since 2005)

Live visitors
809
7756
Visitors Today
51746757
Total
Visitors

Clustrmaps (since 2016)