On social media, we frequently come across intriguing wildlife videos. The idiosyncrasies of different species in the outdoors delight us, humans, from birds migrating and animals camouflaging to their diverse hunting tactics. One such video, depicting a Black Heron’s hunting style, has gone viral on Twitter.

Black herons use their wings to create shade that will attract fish.pic.twitter.com/QZpyJch5HE

— Fascinating (@fasc1nate) November 10, 2022

The video, titled “Black Herons use their wings to create shade that will attract fish,” depicts a black heron using its wings to create an umbrella-like shade and enclosing an area in order to catch its meal. In fact, even while it fails to locate and capture prey on the first attempt, it succeeds on the second.

The behaviour is known as canopy feeding, and it involves the bird tucking its head down, spreading its wings around its body, and creating a sort of parasol. Herons use this to lure little fish, which seek shade when they wish to hide. According to Bill Shields, emeritus professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, it also improves heron vision because the shadow allows the bird to see clearly. Herons may be shielding themselves from their prey while hunting at the same time.

Paul Wheatley, a nature videographer from Leeds, recorded the original footage while on a vacation to the Gambia. While pursuing its prey on Lake Kotu, the heron did not appear to be bothered by the presence of the photographer.

The video has received over 1.08 crore views and over 2.62 lakh likes since it was shared on November 10. People were spotted in the comments discussing animal hunting behaviour.

Black herons use their wings to create shade that will attract fish.pic.twitter.com/QZpyJch5HE

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— Fascinating (@fasc1nate) November 10, 2022

“Wonder if that behaviour is learned via observation, experience, or if it’s instinctive,” one person added.

Black herons use their wings to create shade that will attract fish.pic.twitter.com/QZpyJch5HE

— Fascinating (@fasc1nate) November 10, 2022

Another user said, “The behaviour, called canopy feeding, is an especially effective way to hunt.”

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