Predation of Eared Grebe by Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) Science Article 10

abstract

Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias)typically prey upon fish and other aquatic organisms,and they occasionally take small mammals and birds.We observed a Great Blue Heron attack, kill, and attemptto consume an Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis).The heron was unable to swallow the grebe, andit abandoned the carcass after approximately 30 min.An examination of the carcass showed that the grebelacked obvious physical deformities. Our observation,coupled with a similar one nearby, indicates that GreatBlue Herons attack and kill birds larger than reportedpreviously.

James W. Rivers and Michael J. Kuehn, The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 118(1):112-113, 2006

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