The herons are the long-legged freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae. source
The herons are the long-legged freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae.
The classification of the individual heron/egret species is fraught with difficulty. source
The classification of the individual heron/egret species is fraught with difficulty.
Herons resemble birds in some other families, such as the storks, ibises, spoonbills and cranes, source
Herons resemble birds in some other families, such as the storks, ibises, spoonbills and cranes,
Herons differ from these in flying with their necks retracted, not outstretched. source
Herons differ from these in flying with their necks retracted, not outstretched.
The herons are medium to large sized birds with long legs and necks. source
The herons are medium to large sized birds with long legs and necks.
Heron exhibit very little sexual dimorphism in size. source
Heron exhibit very little sexual dimorphism in size.
The largest species of heron is the Goliath heron, which stand up to 152 cm (60 in) tall. source
The largest species of heron is the Goliath heron, which stand up to 152 cm (60 in) tall.
The herons are a widespread family with a cosmopolitan distribution. source
The herons are a widespread family with a cosmopolitan distribution.
The herons exist on all continents except Antarctica. source
The herons exist on all continents except Antarctica.
The herons and bitterns are carnivorous. source
The herons and bitterns are carnivorous.
The herons feed on a variety of live aquatic prey. The diet includes a wide variety of aquatic animals. source
The herons feed on a variety of live aquatic prey. The diet includes a wide variety of aquatic animals.
While the family exhibits a range of breeding strategies, overall the herons are monogamous and mostly colonial. source
While the family exhibits a range of breeding strategies, overall the herons are monogamous and mostly colonial.
Males herons arrive first and begin the building of the nest, where they display to attract females. source
Males herons arrive first and begin the building of the nest, where they display to attract females.
The word heron is rather old and of uncertain origin. It appeared in the English language c. 1300, originating from the Latin aerius meaning aerial. source
The word heron is rather old and of uncertain origin. It appeared in the English language c. 1300, originating from the Latin aerius meaning aerial.
Average lifespan Great Blue Heron in the wild:15 years. source
Average lifespan Great Blue Heron in the wild:15 years.
