Originally a pockmarked bird from the American tropics. Although heron was named her, she is not related at all to her, but to the cranes. Her family is represented by only one species that has spread throughout the tropics of America.
Solar heron - what kind of bird?
The systematization of the sunbird is not completely completed by ornithologists. Then what is a sun heron? Its closest relative is the kagu bird, which has mastered New Caledonia. There is an opinion that she is also a relative of colored snipe.
If we talk about morphological and behavioral factors, it is very similar to the representatives of Tsapleva. Then her relatives have bitterns and tops. These individuals have some similarities with shepherds. Currently, the bird belongs to the group of cranes. It differs from cranes in small size, a long beak, the width of the wings, the length of a sweeping tail.
Bird description
The body shape of this bird is the same as that of a small heron. The length of the individuals does not exceed 50 cm, and the weight is 180-220 g. The magnificent heron is the owner of a direct sharp beak (whose length is noticeably greater than the head), wide rounded wings, a long tail, an elongated neck and short yellow legs. The legs are similar in structure to the limbs of herons.
The color of the pen is dominated by orange and dark brown colors, combined with greenish-yellow, gray, white and black tones. On a bright motley plumage, two snow-white stripes adorning a dark head are especially striking.
Habits
Current males open their wings. A frightened bird flies away to the nearest tree or overcomes a short path. When an imminent danger is discovered, she, having spread her tail and feathers, turns to the enemy and hisses menacingly, trying to frighten him. To trick a predator, the heron uses the broken wing ploy. She dragging the wing, takes the enemy away from the nest.
These birds live both in pairs and alone. Finding them in the wild is almost impossible. In the early morning, birds emit a high, soft, lingering whistling. At other times, the only thing you can hear is a menacing, repetitive scream provoked by fright.
This heron, which prefers shady places, is occasionally selected for glades flooded with sunbeams. On them, she demonstrates her luxurious plumage, making a lasting impression on the contemplators. Individuals gracefully tilt the neck, spread their wings to the sides, straighten and lift elegant tails.
Why was the bird called heron of the sun?
Extensive zones of an orange-brown palette appear on the wings of males and females, which are surrounded by an ash-gray strip along the outer edge. From the side it seems that the bird imitates a sunny sunset. In this picture, some believe, and lies the answer to the question, why is heron called so. Precisely because the color of her plumage is similar to the flashes of a bizarre evening sunset.
According to another version, all individuals on the mottled wings show a pattern - a radiant sun disc. This feature formed the basis of the name of the bird. On outstretched wings, two spots are clearly visible, resembling wide-open eyes. Such an original ornament of dwarf herons frighten enemies. And occasionally, the heron likes to soak up the sun. Where did you get your name from?
The heron got its name from the Ukrainian “chapel” - to slowly walk (to perform). Either from the Russian dialect "grab", otherwise - grab it. And the pockmarked miniature bird really slowly walks through the backwaters and grabs livestock.
Breeding
Secretly living herons settle in the thick of the rainforests, close to water and swamps. Their spherical nests, including branches, leaves and clay, are located not only on the ground. Herons plant them in low bushes and small trees. They begin to breed in the third year of life, in the rainy season.
At the beginning of the breeding season, herons are besieged by sunny meadows, widely spreading wings and tails, which allows them to look elegant. Courtship of handsome males is similar to ritual movements. They intensively tidy up the plumage, shake their heads, make demonstrative flights. Marrying individuals have a mild and mournful, drawn-out whistle, similar to inviting trills.
Full laying includes two eggs. Both partners incubate them. Chicks appear on the 27th day of hatching. Cubs grow up in 21 days. Young individuals immediately leave their parental nest. From this it follows that the heron is a brood bird (and this is unusual for cranes).
