Young Black-crowned Night Herons usually prefer to be near Snowy Egrets and hunt together.
Snowy egrets tend to hunt aggressively, chasing prey and causing more movement in the water. This gives the young heron the opportunity to grab fish more quickly.
Watching egrets that are skilled hunters helps a young Black-crowned Night Heron develop better foraging techniques.
Being near Snowy Egrets offers protection from predators. More eyes mean a better chance of spotting danger.
Generally, life is good.
