Ardeidae – Herons, Egrets & Bitterns
The Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets & Bitterns) are a family and genus of large water birds. They are part of Pelecaniformes along with Pelecanidae (Pelicans), Threskiornithidae (Ibises & Spoonbills), Scopidae (Hamerkop) and Balaenicipitidae (Shoebill).
They are long-legged freshwater and coastal birds. There are 68 species, in 17 genera in this family recognised by the recently (2025) combined AviListin – variously called ‘egrets’ or ‘bitterns’, ‘herons’ and ‘night-herons’.
Within the family, all members of the genus Botaurus are referred to as ‘bitterns’, as is the Forest Bittern, sole member of the Zonerodius genus.
Pinnated Bittern Botaurus pinnatus – ©Dubi Shapiro
However, egrets are not a biologically distinct group from the herons, and tend to be named differently because they are mainly white and/or have decorative plumes. Although egrets have the same build as the larger herons, they tend to be smaller.
Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca – ©Dubi Shapiro
The classification of the individual heron/egret species is fraught with difficulty, and there is still no clear consensus about the correct placement of many species into either of the two major genera, Ardea and Egretta. Similarly, the relationship of the genera in the family is not completely resolved. However, one species formerly considered to constitute a separate monotypic family Cochlearidae, the Boat-billed Heron, was regarded as a member of the Ardeidae by some authorities, but is now, once again, regarded as in its own genus.
Snowy Egret Egretta thula – ©Dubi Shapiro
Although herons resemble birds in some other families, such as the storks, ibises, spoonbills and cranes, they differ from these in flying with their necks retracted, not outstretched. They are also one of the bird groups that have powder down.
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala – ©Dubi Shapiro
Some members of this group nest (and often roost) colonially in trees, often in mixed species colonies; others, notably the bitterns, use reed-beds.
They can be found in wetlands throughout the world, searching for fish, crabs and occasionally, frogs, small mammals and even young birds. They are aided in this by the arrangement of the vertebrae in their neck (they have the same number as other birds), which are constructed to form a hinge with which they can spear a fish with astonishing rapidity.
Most species wade through shallow water fishing but the bitterns are generally solitary, secretive creatures of reedbeds, where their cryptic brown plumage camouflages them well, making them extremely hard to see.
Number of Species
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Number of bird species: 68
(As at August 2025)
Species List
The family Ardeidae contains the herons, egrets and bitterns. There are 68 species, in 17 genera recognised by the recently (2025) combined AviList. They are:
White-crested Tiger Heron Tigriornis leucolopha
Rufescent Tiger Heron Tigrisoma lineatum
Bare-throated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma mexi
Fasciated Tiger Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum canum
Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius
Agami Heron Agamia agami
Zigzag Heron Zebrilus undulatus
Stripe-backed Bittern Botaurus involucris
Least Bittern Botaurus exilis
Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus
Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris
American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
Pinnated Bittern Botaurus pinnatus
Black Bittern Botaurus flavicollis
Cinnamon Bittern Botaurus cinnamomeus
Von Schrenck’s Bittern Botaurus eurhythmus
Dwarf Bittern Botaurus sturmii
Little Bittern Botaurus minutus
Yellow Bittern Botaurus sinensis
Black-backed Bittern Botaurus dubius
Malayan Night Heron Gorsachius melanolophus
Japanese Night Heron Gorsachius goisagi
White-backed Night Heron Calherodius leuconotus
White-eared Night Heron Oroanassa magnifica
Whistling Heron Syrigma sibilatrix
Pied Heron Egretta picata
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor
Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens
White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae
Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca
Slaty Egret Egretta vinaceigula
Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes
Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Bermuda Night Heron Nyctanassa carcinocatactes
Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus
Little Heron Butorides atricapilla
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Lava Heron Butorides sundevalli
Green Heron Butorides virescens
Forest Bittern Zonerodius heliosylus
Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii
Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus
Javan Pond Heron Ardeola speciosa
Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Malagasy Pond Heron Ardeola idae
White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica
Great Egret Ardea alba
Yellow-billed Egret Ardea brachyrhyncha
Medium Egret Ardea intermedia
Plumed Egret Ardea plumifera
Western Cattle Egret Ardea ibis
Eastern Cattle Egret Aredea coromanda
Humblot’s Heron Ardea humbloti
Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana
Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Useful Reading
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Cranes, Herons & Egrets - The Elegance of Our Tallest Birds
| By Stan Tekiela | Advance | 2016 | Paperback | 144 pages, colour photos | ISBN: 9781591935841 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Cranes, Herons & Storks of Australia
| By David Hollands | Bloomings Books | 2017 | Hardback | 282 pages, 200+ colour photos, 1 colour map, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9780992290016 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Herons
James A Kushlan & James A Hancock | OUP | 2005 | Hardback | 433 pages, 20 col photos, 65 col and b/w illus, 60 maps | ISBN: 9780198549819 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Herons of Europe
| C Voisin | T & DA Poyser Ltd | 2010 | Hardback | 364 pages, Col & b/w photos, line drawings | ISBN: 9781408136652 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Family Links
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Ardeidae
Family AccountArdeidae is a family of birds in the order Pelecaniformes. They are medium to large wading birds found mostly on coastal and inland waterways. -
Ardeidae
Family AccountHerons are (in the main) tall, long-legged, long-billed wading birds. They can be found in wetlands throughout the world, searching for fish, crabs and...
Species Links
Given the number of species in this family, Fatbirder does not provide quick links to all of them. However, the entries below do include links to representatives of every genera and some of the most often encountered, iconic or sought-after species.
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Agami Heron Agamia agami
Species AccountThe agami heron (Agamia agami) is a medium-sized heron. It is a resident breeding bird from Central America south to Peru and Brazil. It is sometimes known as the chestnut-bellied heron, and is the only member of the genus Agamia. -
Agami Heron Agamia agami
Species AccountAgamia agami is listed as Near Threatened under criteria A3c+4c. -
Agami Heron Agamia agami
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
Species AccountThe American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) is a species of wading bird in the heron family of the Pelican order of bird. It has a Nearctic distribution, breeding in Canada and the northern and central parts of the United States, and wintering in the southern US Gulf Coast states, all of Florida into the Everglades, the Caribbean islands and parts of Central America. -
American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
Species AccountYou'll need sharp eyes to catch sight of an American Bittern. This streaky, brown and buff heron can materialize among the reeds, and disappear as quickly, especially when striking a concealment pose with neck stretched and bill pointed skyward. -
American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus
Species AccountThe Australasian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus), also known as the brown bittern or matuku hūrepo, is a large bird in the heron family Ardeidae. A secretive bird with a distinctive booming call, it is more often heard than seen. Australasian bitterns are endangered in both Australia and New Zealand. -
Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus
Species AccountThe Australasian Bittern is a heavy-set, partially nocturnal heron with upperparts that are patterned dark brown, buff and black, and underparts that are streaked brown and buff. The eyebrow and throat are pale, and the side of the neck is dark brown. -
Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus
Species AccountBotaurus poiciloptilus is listed as Vulnerable under criteria C2a(i). -
Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Bare-Throated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum
Species AccountThe bare-throated tiger heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum) is a wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, found from Mexico to northwestern Colombia. -
Bare-Throated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum
Species AccountTigrisoma mexicanum is listed as Least Concern. -
Bare-Throated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Species AccountSpecies account… -
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Species AccountThe black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), commonly abbreviated to just night heron in Eurasia, is a medium-sized heron found throughout a large part of the world, except in the coldest regions and Australasia (where it is replaced by the closely related rufous night heron, with which it has hybridized in the area of contact). -
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Species AccountNycticorax nycticorax is listed as Least Concern. -
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
Species AccountImages -
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
Species AccountA large, grayish heron of drier habitats; note distinctly dark cap and nape contrasting with white throat. In flight the underwing is strongly contrasting black... -
Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius
Species AccountThe boat-billed heron (Cochlearius cochlearius), colloquially known as the boatbill, is an atypical member of the heron family, and was formerly thought to be in a monotypic family, Cochlearidae. It lives in mangrove swamps from Mexico south to Peru and Brazil. It is a nocturnal bird, and breeds semi-colonially in mangrove trees, laying 2–4 bluish white eggs in a twig nest. -
Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius
Species AccountCochlearius cochlearius is listed as Least Concern. -
Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes
Species AccountThe Chinese egret or Swinhoe's egret (Egretta eulophotes) is a threatened species of egret from east Asia. -
Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes
Species AccountEgretta eulophotes is listed as Vulnerable under criteria C2a(i). -
Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Species AccountIxobrychus cinnamomeus is listed as Least Concern. -
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Species AccountThe cinnamon bittern or chestnut bittern (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus) is a small Old World bittern, breeding in tropical and subtropical Asia from India east to China and Indonesia. It is mainly resident, but some northern birds migrate short distances. -
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Species AccountLarge and lanky with gray-blue back, white neck, and black cap. Widespread and conspicuous (though not abundant) in marshes, rivers, and lakes. -
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Species AccountThe cocoi heron (Ardea cocoi) is a species of heron in the family Ardeidae. It is common and widespread throughout most of South America including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. It is a non-breeding visitor to Trinidad and Tobago and a vagrant to the Falkland Islands and Tristan da Cunha. Its natural habitats are rivers, swamps, and freshwater lakes. -
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii
Species AccountThe dwarf bittern (Ixobrychus sturmii) is a small species of heron in the family Ardeidae, native to tropical and sub-tropical Africa. -
Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii
Species AccountIxobrychus sturmii is listed as Least Concern. -
Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Eastern Cattle Egret Aredea coromanda
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris
Species AccountStocky, brown heron found in extensive reedbeds; typically very secretive. -
Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris
Species AccountThe Eurasian bittern or great bittern (Botaurus stellaris) is a wading bird in the bittern subfamily (Botaurinae) of the heron family Ardeidae. There are two subspecies, the northern race (B. s. stellaris) breeding in parts of Europe and Asia, as well as on the northern coast of Africa, while the southern race (B. s. capensis) is endemic to parts of southern Africa. -
Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris
Species AccountEurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris has most recently been assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2016. Botaurus stellaris is listed as Least Concern. -
Forest Bittern Zonerodius heliosylus
Species AccountThe forest bittern (Zonerodius heliosylus) is a bird indigenous to New Guinea. It is the only member of the genus Zonerodius and is also known as the New... -
Forest Bittern Zonerodius heliosylus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
Species AccountThe Goliath heron (Ardea goliath), also known as the giant heron,[2] is a very large wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa, with smaller numbers in Southwest and South Asia. -
Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
Species AccountArdea goliath is listed as Least Concern. -
Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Species AccountThe great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America and Central America, as well as the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands. It is a rare vagrant to coastal Spain, the Azores, and areas of far southern Europe. An all-white population found only in the Caribbean and Florida was once treated as a separate species and known as the great white heron. -
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Species AccountWhether 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
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Great Egret Ardea alba
Species AccountThe great egret (Ardea alba), also known as the common egret, large egret or (in the Old World) great white heron,[2][3][4] is a large, widely distributed egret, with four subspecies found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. Distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world. It builds tree nests in colonies close to water. -
Great Egret Ardea alba
Species AccountThe elegant Great Egret is a dazzling sight in many a North American wetland. Slightly smaller and more svelte than a Great Blue Heron, these are still large birds with impressive wingspans. -
Great Egret Ardea alba
Species AccountArdea alba is listed as Least Concern. -
Great Egret Ardea alba
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Green Heron Butorides virescens
Species AccountButorides striata is listed as Least Concern. -
Green Heron Butorides virescens
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Green Heron Butorides virescens
Species AccountFrom a distance, the Green Heron is a dark, stocky bird hunched on slender yellow legs at the water’s edge, often hidden behind a tangle of leaves. -
Green Heron Butorides virescens
Species AccountThe green heron (Butorides virescens) is a small heron of North and Central America. Butorides is from Middle English butor "bittern" and Ancient Greek -oides, "resembling", and virescens is Latin for "greenish -
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Species AccountTaxonomy: Ardea cinerea Linnaeus, 1758, Europe; restricted to Sweden. Closely related to A. herodias and A. cocoi. Race monicae recently considered a separate species by some authors following earlier study; from photographs and the literature (specimens unexamined) appears fairly distinctive, being shorter-winged and shorter-tailed (allow 2), and with a variably whiter head and neck (allow 2). Four subspecies generally recognized. -
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Species AccountPlumage mostly gray overall, with paler neck; adult has white crown, black eyebrows, and black shoulder patch. -
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Species AccountThe grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water or stalking its prey through the shallows. -
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Species AccountArdea cinerea is listed as Least Concern. -
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii
Species AccountThe Indian pond heron or paddybird (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron. It is of Old World origins, breeding in southern Iran and east to Pakistan, India, Burma, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. -
Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii
Species AccountTaxonomy: Ardea Grayii Sykes, 1832, Deccan, India. Closely related to A. ralloides, A. bacchus and A. speciosa. Perhaps also close to A. idae. Monotypic. -
Lava (Galapagos) Heron Butorides sundevalli
Species AccountThe lava heron (Butorides sundevalli), also known as the Galápagos heron, is a species of heron endemic to the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador. It is considered by some authorities — including the American Ornithologists' Union and BirdLife International — to be a subspecies (or even just a colour morph) of the striated heron (B. striata), and was formerly "lumped" with this species and the green heron (B. virescens) as the green-backed heron. -
Lava (Galapagos) Heron Butorides sundevalli
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis
Species AccountSpecies account… -
Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis
Species AccountA tiny heron, furtive and surpassingly well camouflaged, the Least Bittern is one of the most difficult North American marsh birds to spot. Despite its inconspicuousness, however, the species can be rather common within appropriate habitat in its breeding range. -
Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
Species AccountThe little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) is a wading bird in the heron family, Ardeidae. Ixobrychus is from Ancient Greek ixias, a reed-like plant and brukhomai, to bellow, and minutus is Latin for "small" -
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
Species AccountIxobrychus minutus is listed as Least Concern. -
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Species AccountThe little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) is a small heron. It breeds in the Gulf states of the US, through Central America and the Caribbean south to Peru and Uruguay. It is a resident breeder in most of its range, but some northern breeders migrate to the southeastern US or beyond in winter. There is post-breeding dispersal to well north of the nesting range, as far as the Canada–US border. -
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
Species AccountA small, dark heron arrayed in moody blues and purples, the Little Blue Heron is a common but inconspicuous resident of marshes and estuaries in the Southeast. -
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Species AccountThe little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of small heron in the family Ardeidae. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette, "egret", a diminutive of Aigron," heron". The species epithet garzetta is from the Italian name for this bird, garzetta or sgarzetta. -
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Species AccountThe Little Egret is a small white egret with dark grey-black legs, black bill and a bright yellow naked face. In the breeding season the plumage includes two ribbon-like head plumes, and abundant plumes on the back and breast. The Little Egret is also called the Lesser Egret. -
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Species AccountEgretta garzetta is listed as Least Concern. -
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Malayan Night-Heron Gorsachius melanolophus
Species AccountTaxonomy: Ardea melanolopha Raffles, 1822, western Sumatra.Probably most closely related to G. goisagi. Proposed races rufolineatus (Palawan, in W Philippines) and kutteri (rest of Philippines) considered indistinguishable from nominate. Two subspecies recognized. -
Malayan Night-Heron Gorsachius melanolophus
Species AccountThe Malayan night heron (Gorsachius melanolophus), also known as Malaysian night heron and tiger bittern,[2] is a medium-sized heron. It is distributed in southern and eastern Asia. -
Malayan Night-Heron Gorsachius melanolophus
Species AccountGorsachius melanolophus is listed as Least Concern. -
Malayan Night-Heron Gorsachius melanolophus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Medium Egret Ardea intermedia
Species Account -
Medium Egret Ardea intermedia
Species AccountThe intermediate egret, median egret,[2] smaller egret,[3] or yellow-billed egret (Mesophoyx intermedia) is a medium-sized heron. Some taxonomists put the species in the genus Egretta or Ardea. It is a resident breeder from east Africa across the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia and Australia. -
Medium Egret Ardea intermedia
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra
Species AccountTaxonomy: Ardea sacra J. F. Gmelin, 1789, Tahiti.Sometimes placed in genus Demigretta. Proposed race micronesiae (Pacific islands) included with nominate. Two subspecies recognized. -
Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra
Species AccountThe Pacific reef heron (Egretta sacra), also known as the eastern reef heron or eastern reef egret, is a kind of heron. They are found in many areas of Asia including the oceanic region of India, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Polynesia, and in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. -
Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra
Species AccountThere are two colour forms of the Eastern Reef Egret. The white form has a white body and wings, a yellow and grey bill, a bare face that is green-yellow, and dull yellow-grey legs. The dark form has a slate-grey body and wings, with a small white streak on the throat, the bill is slate-brown, and the legs are grey. The eyes of both forms are yellow. The Eatern Reef Egret is also called the Eastern Reef Heron, and the dark form the Blue Heron or Blue Reef Heron. -
Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra
Species AccountEgretta sacra is listed as Least Concern. -
Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Pied Heron Egretta picata
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Pied Heron Egretta picata
Species AccountThe pied heron (Ardea picata), also known as the pied egret[4] is a bird found in coastal and subcoastal areas of monsoonal northern Australia as well as some parts of Wallacea and New Guinea. -
Pinnated Bittern Botaurus pinnatus
Species AccountIt is estimated that approximately a thousand pairs may breed in the Cocos Island National Park in Costa Rica. -
Pinnated Bittern Botaurus pinnatus
Species AccountThe pinnated bittern (Botaurus pinnatus), also known as the South American bittern, is a large member of the heron family (Ardeidae) found in the New World tropics. Like the other Botaurus bitterns, its plumage is mostly buffy-brown and cryptically patterned. Though it is a widespread species, it is rarely seen – presumably due to its skulking habits – and much about its life history remains little known. -
Pinnated Bittern Botaurus pinnatus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Species AccountThe purple heron (Ardea purpurea) is a wide ranging species of wading bird in the heron family, Ardeidae. The scientific name comes from Latin ardea "heron", and purpureus, "coloured purple".[2] It breeds in Africa, central and southern Europe, and southern and eastern Asia. The Western Palearctic populations migrate between breeding and wintering habitats whereas the African and tropical-Asian populations are primarily sedentary, except for occasional dispersive movements. -
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Species AccountArdea purpurea is listed as Least Concern. -
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens
Species AccountA medium to large heron of shallow salt water, the Reddish Egret comes in a dark and a white form. It is a very active forager, often seen running, jumping, and spinning in its pursuit of fish. -
Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens
Species AccountEgretta rufescens is listed as Near Threatened under criteria C1. -
Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens
Species AccountThe reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) is a medium-sized heron. It is a resident breeder in Central America, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States, and Mexico.[2] There is post-breeding dispersal to well north of the nesting range. In the past, this bird was a victim of the plume trade. -
Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum
Species AccountThis medium-sized heron is found around swamps, marshes, and sluggish streams at lower elevations. -
Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum
Species Accounthe rufescent tiger heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) is a species of heron in the family Ardeidae. It is found in wetlands from Central America through much of South America. -
Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris
Species AccountThe rufous-bellied heron (Ardeola rufiventris) is a species of heron in the genus Ardeola, the pond herons, of the family Ardeidae. -
Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Species AccountEgretta thula is listed as Least Concern. -
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Species AccountAmong the most elegant of the herons, the slender Snowy Egret sets off immaculate white plumage with black legs and brilliant yellow feet. -
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Species AccountThe snowy egret (Egretta thula) is a small white heron. The genus name comes from the Provençal French for the little egret Aigrette, a diminutive of Aigron," heron". The species name thula is the Araucano for the Black-necked Swan, applied to this species in error by Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782. -
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Species AccountBirdLife species profile... -
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Species AccountThe squacco heron (Ardeola ralloides) is a small heron, 44–47 cm (17–19 in) long, of which the body is 20–23 cm (7.9–9.1 in), with 80–92 cm (31–36 in) wingspan.[2] It is of Old World origins, breeding in southern Europe and the Greater Middle East. -
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Species AccountArdeola ralloides is listed as Least Concern. -
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Species AccountThe striated heron (Butorides striata) also known as mangrove heron, little heron or green-backed heron, is a small heron. Striated herons are mostly non-migratory and noted for some interesting behavioral traits. -
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Species AccountButorides striata is listed as Least Concern. -
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor
Species AccountEgretta tricolor is listed as Least Concern. -
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor
Species AccountA medium-sized, slender heron of the southeastern United States, the Tricolored Heron was formerly known as the Louisiana Heron. -
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor
Species AccountBirdLife species profile... -
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor
Species AccountThe tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor), formerly known in North America as the Louisiana heron, is a small heron. It is a resident breeder from the Gulf states of the United States and northern Mexico south through Central America and the Caribbean to central Brazil and Peru. There is some post-breeding dispersal to well north of the nesting range. -
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Species AccountBirdLife species account… -
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Species AccountThe cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a cosmopolitan species of heron (family Ardeidae) found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. -
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Species AccountThe short, thick-necked Cattle Egret spends most of its time in fields rather than streams. It forages at the feet of grazing cattle, head bobbing with each step, or rides on their backs to pick at ticks. -
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Species AccountBubulcus ibis is listed as Least Concern. -
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Whistling Heron Syrigma sibilatrix
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Whistling Heron Syrigma sibilatrix
Species AccountMulticolored heron, with a dark cap, pale neck and a pinkish bill with a black tip that contrasts with its blue eyerings. -
Whistling Heron Syrigma sibilatrix
Species AccountThe whistling heron (Syrigma sibilatrix) is a medium-sized, often terrestrial heron of South America. There are two subspecies, the southern S. s. sibilatrix and the northern S. s. fostersmithi. -
White-backed Night Heron Calherodius leuconotus
Species AccountThe white-backed night heron (Calherodius leuconotus) is a species of medium-sized heron in the family Ardeidae, found in sub-Saharan Africa. -
White-backed Night Heron Calherodius leuconotus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
White-crested Tiger Heron Tigriornis leucolopha
Species AccountThe white-crested tiger heron (Tigriornis leucolopha), also known as the white-crested bittern, is a species of heron in the monotypic genus Tigriornis... -
White-crested Tiger Heron Tigriornis leucolopha
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
White-eared Night Heron Oroanassa magnifica
Species AccountRare and elusive night-heron with a bug-eyed, almost “alien,” appearance. Highly localized, seldom encountered far from its nesting colonies and roost sites... -
White-eared Night Heron Oroanassa magnifica
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae
Species AccountThe White-faced Heron is mostly light blue-grey in colour, with a characteristic white face. In flight, the dark flight feathers of the wing contrast with the paler grey plumage, making this bird easily identifiable when viewed from below. -
White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae
Species AccountThe white-faced heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) also known as the white-fronted heron,[2] and incorrectly as the grey heron,[3] or blue crane,[2] is a common bird throughout most of Australasia, including New Guinea, the islands of Torres Strait, Indonesia, New Zealand, and all but the driest areas of Australia. -
Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea
Species AccountThe yellow-crowned night heron (Nyctanassa violacea, formerly in the genus Nycticorax), is one of two species of night herons found in the Americas, the other one being the black-crowned night heron. It is known as the Bihoreau Violacé in French and the Pedrete Corona Clara in Spanish. -
Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea
Species AccountWhile not as slender as a typical heron, the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron’s smooth purple-gray colors, sharp black-and-white face, and long yellow plumes lend it a touch of elegance. -
Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea
Species AccountNyctanassa violacea is listed as Least Concern. -
Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Zigzag Heron Zebrilus undulatus
Species AccountSmall, dark, rarely seen heron of forest. Plumage is entirely gray-brown with fine black vermiculations; young birds sport warmer tones. -
Zigzag Heron Zebrilus undulatus
Species AccountThe zigzag heron (Zebrilus undulatus) is a species of heron in the family Ardeidae, also including egrets and bitterns. It is in the monotypic genus Zebrilus.[2] It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical swamps. -
Zigzag Heron Zebrilus undulatus
Species AccountZebrilus undulatus is listed as Least Concern -
Zigzag Heron Zebrilus undulatus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map.