The herons are long-legged freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae, with 64 recognised species (some are called "egrets" or "bitterns" instead of "heron").
Within Ardeidae, all members of the genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus are referred to as "bitterns", and — including the Zigzag Heron or Zigzag Bittern — are a monophyletic group within the Ardeidae. However, egrets are not a biologically distinct group from the herons, and tend to be named differently because they are mainly white or have decorative plumes. Although egrets have the same build as herons, they tend to be smaller.
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, is now regarded as a member of the Ardeidae.
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. Some members of this group nest colonially in trees, while others, notably the bitterns, use reedbeds.
The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa.
It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions.
It has become common in summer even inside the Arctic circle along the Norwegian coast.
Description
It is a large bird, standing up to 100 cm (39 in) tall and measuring 84–102 cm (33–40 in) long with a 155–195 cm (61–77 in) wingspan.[2]
The body weight can range from 1.02–2.08 kg (2.2–4.6 lb).[3] Its plumage is largely grey above, and off-white below.
Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium and slender crest, while immatures have a dull grey head.
It has a powerful, pinkish-yellow bill, which is brighter in breeding adults. It has a slow flight, with its long neck retracted (S-shaped).
This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills, which extend their necks.
The call is a loud croaking "fraaank".
The Australian White-faced Heron is often incorrectly called a Grey Heron.
In Ireland the Grey Heron is often colloquially called a "crane".
Behaviour
Food and feeding
It feeds in shallow water, catching fish, frogs, and insects with its long bill. Herons will also take small mammals and reptiles.
They occasionally take birds up to the size of a Water Rail.
It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim.
City life
In the Netherlands, the Grey Heron has established itself over the past decades in great numbers in urban environments.
In cities like Amsterdam, they are ever present and well adapted to modern city life.
They hunt as usual but also visit street markets and snackbars.
They are also present at the zoo during feeding times for penguins, pelicans and seals.
Some individuals make use of people feeding them at their homes or recreational fishermen to share their catch.
Similar behaviour on a smaller scale has been reported in Ireland.
Breeding
This species breeds in colonies (heronries) in trees close to lakes, the seashore or other wetlands, although it will also nest in reedbeds. It builds a bulky stick nest.
Please add on any pics and info on the Grey Heron
Typical Herons, Night-herons, Green-backed Herons, Cattle Egrets, Typical Egrets (Subfamily Ardeinae)
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Typical Herons, Night-herons, Green-backed Herons, Cattle Egrets, Typical Egrets (Subfamily Ardeinae)
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Re: Heron - Bird of the Month AUGUST 2013
One of the lazy Kruger Grey Herons catching a ride!
Stretching the wings...
...and the legs!
Coming in to land.
Stretching the wings...
...and the legs!
Coming in to land.
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Re: Heron - Bird of the Month AUGUST 2013
Like your choice as well, Amoli
Some grey herons from the pond around the corner:
I love watching them fishing -O
Some grey herons from the pond around the corner:
I love watching them fishing -O
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Re: Heron - Bird of the Month AUGUST 2013
Grey Heron/Héron cendré
Kruger - March 2008... after the bath -O
Kruger - March 2008... after the bath -O
Last edited by nan on Thu Aug 08, 2013 9:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Heron - Bird of the Month AUGUST 2013
in Addo... october 2012
Grey Heron with...
Grey Heron with...
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Re: Heron - Bird of the Month AUGUST 2013
Some facts :
Great Blue Herons look enormous in flight, with a six-foot wingspan
In flight, a Great Blue Heron usually holds its head close to its body with the neck bent.
The young can first fly at about 60 days old
Great Blue Herons look enormous in flight, with a six-foot wingspan
In flight, a Great Blue Heron usually holds its head close to its body with the neck bent.
The young can first fly at about 60 days old
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Re: Heron - Bird of the Month AUGUST 2013
Excellent pictures - love the herons in flight or coming in for a landing.. -O -O
Great shots.
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Another specie in the Heron family is the Goliath Heron.
This is the world's largest heron.
The height is 120–152 cm (47–60 in), the wingspan is 185–230 cm (73–91 in) and the weight is 4–5 kg (8.8–11 lbs).
The bill from the gape measures around 24 cm (9.4 in).
In flight it has a slow and rather ponderous look and, unlike some other herons, its legs are not held horizontally.
Male and female look similar, with an overall covering of slate gray and chestnut feathers.
The eyes are yellow while legs and feet are black.
Juveniles look similar to the adults, but are paler.
Due to their large size, this species is sometimes referred to as the "giant herons" - In Afrikaans it is the 'Reusereier'
The Goliath Heron has a distinct deep bark, often described as kowoork, audible from a distances of up to 2 km.
A disturbance call (arrk), sharper and higher, can also occasionally be heard.
A huh-huh is given during the crouched stage, while a krooo may be heard with the neck extended.
Organ-like duetting has been reported at nest sites but has not been confirmed.
Would love to read any info you have and see more
Great shots.
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Another specie in the Heron family is the Goliath Heron.
This is the world's largest heron.
The height is 120–152 cm (47–60 in), the wingspan is 185–230 cm (73–91 in) and the weight is 4–5 kg (8.8–11 lbs).
The bill from the gape measures around 24 cm (9.4 in).
In flight it has a slow and rather ponderous look and, unlike some other herons, its legs are not held horizontally.
Male and female look similar, with an overall covering of slate gray and chestnut feathers.
The eyes are yellow while legs and feet are black.
Juveniles look similar to the adults, but are paler.
Due to their large size, this species is sometimes referred to as the "giant herons" - In Afrikaans it is the 'Reusereier'
The Goliath Heron has a distinct deep bark, often described as kowoork, audible from a distances of up to 2 km.
A disturbance call (arrk), sharper and higher, can also occasionally be heard.
A huh-huh is given during the crouched stage, while a krooo may be heard with the neck extended.
Organ-like duetting has been reported at nest sites but has not been confirmed.
Would love to read any info you have and see more
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Re: Heron - Bird of the Month AUGUST 2013
Goliath Heron - Saint Lucia
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