Great White Heron

The Great White Heron was considered extremely rare in Slovenia until two decades ago, but today its abundance is increasing, most likely as a result of adequate legal protection in the wider European area.

It regularly winters in the NE part of Slovenia, sometimes inland and along the seashore. It is a year-round visitor in the Sečovlje salt pans, where it does not breed. It often stays together with Little Egrets. It is most abundant in winter. Dozens of individuals are found in the salt marshes in autumn and spring, and the fewest in summer. It prefers to stay and feed in the salt pans and canals. Sometimes individuals roost in abandoned salt houses in company with other herons.

*The Sečovlje Salt Pans is considered a qualifying species in favourable conservation status.