139: Green Herons: The Incredible Bird That Uses Bait to Catch Fish

Can a bird actually use bait to catch a fish?Green Herons can—and it's one of the most remarkable examples of tool-like behavior in the bird world.In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore Green Heron hunting, tool use, intelligence, nesting, diet, habitat, and behavior.Green Herons have been observed dropping insects, feathers, pieces of bread, and other objects onto the surface of the water to attract fish within striking distance. When a fish approaches, the heron attacks.So are Green Herons actually using tools? How do Green Herons catch fish? What do Green Herons eat? Where do they nest? Why do they sometimes look like they barely have a neck? And just how intelligent are herons?RJ and Amanda also share a special encounter with a Green Heron nest and young herons, leading to a conversation about nesting behavior and what it's like to observe these secretive wetland birds up close.From patiently stalking prey along the water's edge to seemingly using bait to lure fish, the Green Heron challenges the idea that sophisticated problem-solving is limited to only a handful of animals.If you're interested in bird intelligence, animal tool use, herons, or simply bizarre animal behavior, this is one of our favorite examples of just how surprising birds can be.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky