What are herons?
Q: What are herons?
A: Herons are wading birds in the Ardeidae family.
Q: How many species of herons are there in the Ardeidae family?
A: There are 64 recognised species in the Ardeidae family.
Q: What are some other names for herons?
A: Some herons are called egrets or bitterns.
Q: What makes bitterns different from other herons?
A: All members of the genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus are called bitterns: they are a monophyletic group within the Ardeidae.
Q: Why are some birds called egrets?
A: Egrets are not a biologically distinct group, but are called egrets because they are mainly white and/or have decorative plumes.
Q: How do herons differ from other birds like storks, ibises and spoonbills?
A: Herons differ from other birds like storks, ibises and spoonbills in flying with their necks retracted, not outstretched.
Q: Where do some members of the Ardeidae family nest?
A: Some members of the Ardeidae family nest colonially in trees; others, notably the bitterns, use reedbeds.
