Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae, commonly known as herons, comprises about 60 species of long-legged wading birds, including egrets and bitterns. These birds are found worldwide, with a higher concentration in tropical regions.1

Herons typically forage by wading quietly in shallow waters, preying on fish and other aquatic animals. They build nests from sticks, usually in colonies called heronries, situated in bushes or trees near water. A distinctive characteristic of herons is their S-shaped neck posture and their flight pattern, with legs trailing and neck held back.1

The family is broadly divided into typical herons, night herons, and tiger herons, differing in their activity patterns and physical traits. For instance, night herons have shorter legs and thicker bills and are more active at dusk and night.1