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Herons are long-legged, long-necked, freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae, with 72 recognised species, some of which are referred to as egrets or bitterns rather than herons. Members of the genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus are referred to as bitterns, and, together with the zigzag heron, or zigzag bittern, in the monotypic genus ...
Whether poised at a river bend or cruising the coastline with slow, deep wingbeats, the Great Blue Heron is a majestic sight. This stately heron with its subtle blue-gray plumage often stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades belly deep with long, deliberate steps.
- Great Blue Heron. Ardea herodias. Size: 38 – 54 inches tall, wingspan 65 – 80 inches. Great blue herons are one of the largest and most widespread wading birds in North America, found in wetlands throughout the region.
- Little Blue Heron. Egretta caerulea. Size: 22 – 30 inches tall, wingspan 39 – 41 inches. Little blue herons aren’t as widespread as great blue herons, mainly being found along the eastern and gulf coastlines and the wetlands of the Southeast.
- Great Egret. Ardea alba. Size: 37 – 41 inches tall, wingspan 51 – 57 inches. Slightly smaller and more sleek than great blue herons, great egrets are perhaps one of the most elegant birds of North America.
- Snowy Egret. Egretta thula. Size: 22 – 26 inches tall, wingspan 40 inches. The small snowy egret is an active hunter, often striding briskly through the shallows in search of prey.
May 25, 2024 · Heron, any of about 60 species of long-legged wading birds, classified in the family Ardeidae (order Ciconiiformes) and generally including several species usually called egrets. The Ardeidae also include the bitterns (subfamily Botaurinae). Herons are widely distributed over the world but are most.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Gray Heron. The gray heron (Ardea cinerea) is a larger heron native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has gray plumage with a lighter neck. Adult gray herons have white crowns with a striking black supercilium and thin crest.
- Western Reef Heron. The western reef heron (Egretta gularis) is a medium-sized heron, also called a western reef egret. They have slate-gray plumage with a white neck, yellow bill, and yellow feet.
- Reddish Egret. Reddish egrets (Egretta rufescens) are larger than snowy egrets and are about the same height as a goose. Two coloration morphs exist for reddish egrets.
- Whistling Heron. The whistling heron (Syrigma sibilatrix) is a distinctive and territorial bird native to South America. It got its name from its distinctive whistling calls.
Whether poised at a river bend or cruising the coastline with slow, deep wingbeats, the Great Blue Heron is a majestic sight. This stately heron with its subtle blue-gray plumage often stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades belly deep with long, deliberate steps.
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Widespread and familiar (though often called 'crane'), the largest heron in North America. Often seen standing silently along inland rivers or lakeshores, or flying high overhead, with slow wingbeats, its head hunched back onto its shoulders.
