by Richard Anderton
East
Grey Heron. Europe, Asia and parts of Africa
West
Great Blue Heron. North and central American
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| Grey Heron Ardea cinera |
(above) East Sussex UK November 2013 (below) Arizona USA May 2013
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| Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias |
Take a look at these two herons. The above was taken a week ago on the South coast of England on the 13 of November...The lower in May in Arizona US also this year.
These are, of course, replacement species filling the same ecological niche on either side of the Atlantic. Look how far they have drifted away from each other in evolutionary terms - not far at all!
But take in the subtle differences, in particular, the neck coloration. You could be forgiven for thinking they were individuals of the same species with slightly different coloration. They are separate species, a wonderful example and captivating intrigue of the science of natural history.
The video clip
Phoenix AZ USA May 2013
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