Heron
Herons are long-legged, long-necked wading birds in the family Ardeidae.
Herons are long-legged, long-necked wading birds found worldwide. The family Ardeidae includes about 60 species, along with egrets and bitterns.
What it is
Herons are long-legged, long-necked wading birds in the family Ardeidae. The group includes about 60 species worldwide, and some species are commonly called egrets or bitterns. They are found on most continents, especially in tropical regions.
Key details
Herons have long legs, long necks, broad wings, and pointed bills. When flying, they pull the neck back into an S-shape. They live near shallow water in wetlands, ponds, marshes, and coasts. Their diet includes small fish, crustaceans, insects, amphibians, and reptiles. They hunt by standing still and striking prey with the bill.
In Canada
Canada has 12 heron-family species, including true herons, egrets, night herons, and bitterns. These birds are found in wetlands and shallow waters across the country. The Great Blue Heron is a common example.
In short
- Herons are wading birds with long legs, necks, and pointed bills.
- They belong to the family Ardeidae, which includes egrets and bitterns.
- Herons feed in shallow water, often striking prey with their bill.
- Canada has 12 heron-family species, including herons, egrets, night herons, and bitterns.
Herons are relevant to Canadian readers because several species occur in Canada, and The Canadian Encyclopedia identifies 12 heron-family species there, including herons, egrets, night herons, and bitterns.[4]
Quick questions
What is a heron?
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Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/heronSupports: Definition of herons, family Ardeidae, approximate number of species, and broad distribution.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/heronSupports: Number of species worldwide, number of heron-family species in Canada, and feeding habitat/diet.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heronSupports: Dictionary definition describing the bird’s long neck, long legs, long bill, and family Ardeidae.
- Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/heron/390616Supports: General traits, habitat, feeding behavior, size range, and relationship to egrets and bitterns.
- Vocabulary.com — https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/heronSupports: Worldwide distribution, physical description, and S-shaped neck posture in flight.