BACK TO LIST
GLOSSARY
White heron (shirasagi)
In Japan there are 15 species of white heron (shirasagi)- the term being used to describe all white or light-coloured birds belonging to the heron family. They are roughly divisible into three groups, the small herons having a wingspan of 24-28cm, the medium-sized herons having a wingspan of 27-32cm and the larger birds having a wingspan of 34-39cm and saw-shaped incisions at the end of the beak. There is also a common egret with a wingspan of 40cm. Typically, Japanese herons live in the region of paddies,Iakes and the seashore; they feed on frogs, shell-fish and insects. The numbers of herons have decreased drastically due to uncontrolled hunting but in recent years many countries have passed legislation to protect these valuable and attractive birds.