Herons & Egrets
The majestic giants of the Leonida wetlands.
Intel Status
CONFIRMED
Prominently featured in Trailer 1 (The shot with the flamingos).
If you take a Fanboat through the Grassrivers , you're going to see thousands of these. Herons, Egrets, and Spoonbills define the skyline of the swamps. They are peaceful, visually stunning, and remarkably reactive to the chaos you bring to their home.
Behavior & AI
Building on the wildlife tech from RDR2, these birds interact with the water physics.
Movement
Takeoff Physics
They don't just "spawn" in the air. You'll see them wading in shallow water hunting for fish. Approach too fast, and the whole flock will realistically take flight, creating potential hazards for low-flying aircraft. ✈️
Ecosystem
Predator & Prey
If you sit still long enough, you might witness the circle of life. Herons hunt small fish, but if they aren't careful, they get snatched by Alligators
lurking beneath the surface.
The Plume Economy
In the late 1800s (RDR2 era), these birds were hunted to near extinction for their feathers. In 2025, they are protected, but illegal poaching is still a thing.
- Exotic Feathers: High-value loot for the black market. You may receive missions from shady "fashion" contacts in Vice City to acquire specific plumes.
- Flamingos: Often found in the same habitats. While technically not herons, massive flocks of pink flamingos are confirmed to be a major visual showpiece of the engine's capability.
Hazard
Bird Strikes
Be careful when taking off from the swamp in a Dodo or Helicopter. Flying directly into a flock of heavy Herons can damage your engine or shatter your windshield.