Ardea
Official journal of the Netherlands Ornithologists' Union

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Owen D.F. (1959) Some aspects of the behaviour of immature Herons, Ardea cinerea, in the breeding season. ARDEA 47 (3-4): 187-191
1. The behaviour of immature (one year old) Herons, Ardea cinerea, in the breeding season was studied in southern England. 2. Immature birds often approach nests occupied by adults and frequently elicit aggression from these birds. They appear to be attracted to the vicinity of intense activity among adults, such as copulation. There is a marked tendency for immature birds to follow adults to and from the colony in the direction of the feeding grounds; the possible significance of this behaviour is considered. 3. Some immature birds build small nests, but no eggs are laid in these. Two records are given of immature birds breeding, both being mated to adults. Probably Herons normally commence breeding when two years old.


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