Individual differences in bait‐fishing by the Green‐backed Heron Ardeola striata associated with territory quality

Individual differences were found in the feeding sites, frequency of bait fishing, and fishing success in three individual Green‐backed Herons in southern Japan. The differences in the use of bait fishing and in fishing success seemed to be related primarily to differences in feeding sites, which were associated with territory quality. Bait fishing was used most frequently by the individual which fished often in open water with fewer suitable rocks, where the heron has to overcome the handicap of being easily seen by fish. Bait fishing was least common in the individual which fished most often from high branches. The leaves and twigs dropped from high branches rarely reached the spot the heron intended, and the fishing success was low. Individuals probably also differed in their skill at bait fishing.