The Activities of the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) in Their Colonies During the Breeding Season

Abstract

In this study we have investigated the behaviors of the Little Egret and Night Heron during the breeding season at Poyrazlar Lake (SAKARYA) located in North-West Turkey (40 degrees 50'N, 30 degrees 28'E). The Ardeid colony consists of 330 adults; 150 of which are Night Heron (45.45%) and 180 are Little Egrets (54.55%). The breeding period starts at the end of March and lasts till the end of August. Neither the Night Herons nor the Little Egrets become active in the breeding period simultaneously. Due to the fact that the Little Egret is a species that is active in daytime and the Night Heron is active at night, making colonial activity continuous throughout the day and night (24 hours). While this situation limits the competition between the species, it provides advantages in terms of breeding success and colonial life.