Rush Heron
One of the largest species of heron in Greymantle Marsh, named for the stripes running the length of its body that mimic the appearance of the rushes around it, though it is commonly assumed to be named for its erratic behavior while hunting.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The stature of the rush heron is impressive, standing three feet tall on average, with double that in wingspan. They are of slender build, though they can appear significantly more substantial than they are with their wings open and neck feathers flared. Their legs are very thin as in other heron species, but they also appear a little laterally flattened to aid in swiftly walking through water.
Though their peculiar hunting style seems to only partially rely on any sort of stealth, the rush heron is well-camouflaged with its habitat. Their feathers are pale beige to grey, with darker stripes running down the lengths of their bodies from beak to tail. These stripes are a little jagged in shape, becoming more broken and disorganized as they reach the belly area. The pattern of these broken, barred markings are different in every bird and can be used to distinguish individuals. The feathers on either side of the neck are able to flare out while hunting or in display, and are kept sleekly lowered when at rest. These long, shaggy neck feathers can be tinged with a ruddy or orange color and are what is sought for when hunting herons.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Though rush herons do employ an impressive range of hunting behaviors, including the typical patient, immoble tactics of most herons, this species is well-known only for its most dramatic maneuvers. When these herons "rush," they charge back and forth through the water, sometimes with wings held open and neck feathers splayed, appearing bewildered and aimless in their antics. There is some method to their madness--though experts argue over exactly what--and they have been seen working together in this erratic dance. One rush heron's violent movements seem to catch the attention of others in the area, until up to half a dozen herons are zooming around.
In addition to this frenetic behavior and the typical hunting habits seen in other heron species, rush herons are also known to stir up silt with their feet and catch the creatures that swim out of it, as well as using their wings to provide shade as a false refuge for small aquatic creatures, ignoring the small minnows and other morsels as they gather until larger prey is tempted in after them. These creative and varied tactics suggest that the rush heron is actually more intelligent and crafty than we assume, and that it definitely knows something that we don't in the strategy behind its chaotic dancing.
Conservation Status
Like most large birds, the hunting of rush herons is strictly regulated around Lockhinge City. Officially, these restrictions extend throughout the territory of Greymantle Marsh, but there isn't nearly enough manpower available to enforce them.
Legally, rush herons can only be hunted with a specified permit, usually given to indigenous groups who do so for cultural or religious reasons. Rush heron feathers can occasionally be found for sale, but the seller can be targeted for legal retribution if they are found selling a suspiciously large amount of them.
Geographic Distribution