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Grey Heron (Maakanaa)
Ardea Cinerea or Grey herons are amongst the most
well-known of our
local water birds which you will see in Sun Island. Usually it lives in all
islands, however most commonly in uninhabited islands in the Maldives. The
bird doesn't always wait for a prey but walks through the shallows with long
purposeful strides, neckline muscles tensed for spearing. At the same time
it may also stay for a long time in one spot to eat a small fish mostly at
shoreline. It is tall with long legs and neck, and grey and white plumage,
yellowish legs and bill. During breeding, legs and bill can become orange.
In flight looks very large with broad, arched wings. The heron's breeding
usually takes place in a small uninhabited island next to Sun Island.
Occupied herons' nests may be readily told by numerous droppings on the
ground beneath them. They are built in the highest trees and constructed by
branches and sticks from the vegetation. The young maintain a ceaseless loud
clicking call. Three or four is an average clutch. The eggs take 27 days to
hatch and the young remain in the nest seven weeks. There is a history of
Maakana stories said in many islands in the Maldives. Maldivians believe
that they are the proudest of all birds, since they tell a tale of a heron
that spends the whole day waiting to eat only “kanduguruva” fish (Oriental
Sweet Lip).And at the end of the day being failed to get one, unable to
stand its hunger the bird finally eats a dead mouse and dies. But the herons
you find in Sun Island are quite friendly and they eat fresh fish offered by
the guest and the staff.
Related Links:
> Exploring The Magical Island
< Exotic Flora of Sun Island
> Fauna of Sun Island
-
Asian Koel (Koveli)
- Grey Heron (Maakana)
-
House Gecko (Hoanu)
-
Island Flying Fox (Vaa)
-
Lizards (Bondu)
- White breasted water hen (Kanbili)
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