Herons, Egrets and Bitterns Ardeidae
19 genera are recognized in the family, of which 12 are thus far listed below. There are 63 species within the family, of which 6 are
endangered: the Madagascar Heron Ardea humbloti, White-bellied Heron
Ardea insignis, Madagascar Pond-heron Ardeola idae, White-eared Night-Heron Gorsachius magnificus,
Japanese Night-Heron Gorsachius goisagi, and the Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus. In addition, the
Slaty Egret Egretta vinaceigula, and the Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes are both considered
vulnerable. It is interesting to note that all of these species are
restricted to the Old World.
Tigriornis
There are 4 members of this genus.
The Bare-throated Tiger-heron Tigriornis mexicanum ranges from Mexico south to northwestern Colombia. It is found in more open
habitats than other members of the genus. This individual was observed near Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, April 2009.
Agamia
This is the only member of the genus.
The unmistakable Agami Heron Agamia agami is a secretive denizen of tropical forest swamps and similar wooded wetlands.
They are found in Central America, south to Peru and Brazil. This individual was observed in the Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica, April 2009.
Cochlearius
This is the only member of the genus.
The Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius is such an unusual looking bird that it was once placed in it's own monotypic family.
This typically nocturnal bird breeds in mangrove trees from Mexico, south to Peru and Brazil.
This individual was at the Bosque del Rio Tigre, near Puerto Jimenez, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, April 2009.
Botarus
There are 4 species in this genus.
The American Bittern Botarus lentiginosus is typically a secretive species, tending to conceal themselves in tall marshes mainly with bulrushes
and cattails. If they sense danger, they will "freeze" by pointing their bill upwards and contracting their body. This, along with their plumage,
enables them to blend-in with the surrounding habitat. On windy days, their bodies will even sway with the surrounding vegetation.
This bird was photographed in November 2004 at the man-made Water Ranch, Gilbert, Arizona, where it considered a very rare visitor.
Ixobrychus
There are 8 species within this genus.
The Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis is found from southern Canada, south to central South America. They are closely related
to the similar looking Little Bittern, which is restricted to the Old World. Many heron species are sociable and tend to form very large communal roosts,
whereas bitterns are considered solitary birds.
Photographed at the Water Ranch, Gilbert, near Phoenix, Arizona, December 2005.
Nycticorax
There are 2 species within this genus.
The Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax is a wide ranging New and Old World
species. My first ever sighting of this species was on the remote Falkland Islands, located in the south Atlantic Ocean.
Although mainly a nocturnal feeder, they can sometimes be found feeding during the daytime, especially during their breeding
season. This adult was photographed at Reid Park, Tucson, Arizona, July 2001.
Nyctanassa
This is the only member of the genus.
Unlike the similar preceding species the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea is only found in the New World.
Small colonies typically nest in swamps and marshes from the eastern United States, south to north-eastern South America. This adult was one of
several birds that I observed at Frontera Audubon, Weslaco, Texas, March 2009.
Butorides
There are 2 species within this genus.
The Green Heron Butorides virescens of North America, Central America, and the West Indies, was recently split from the more widespread
Striated Heron Butorides striatus. This particular bird would stand motionless at the water's edge for extended periods of time,
then would suddenly plunge it's bill into a nearby fish. Photographed at Papago Park, Phoenix, Arizona, January 2003.
Bubulcus
This is the sole member of the genus.
The Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis is the most widespread of all herons. They get their name from being found around, and even perching
on cattle. They do this to feed on the insects that are disturbed by their grazing hosts. During the past century, they have undergone a
tremendous range expansion, having invaded the New World and even being encountered in the Antarctic!
Photographed at the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona, January 2002.
Ardea
There are 11 species within this genus.
The Grey Heron Ardea cinerea is found across
Europe, Asia, and Africa. This was the first member of the heron family that I observed growing up in England. Photographed at one of my childhood local
birding patches, the Attenborough nature reserve, near Nottingham, England, April 2005.
Casmerodius
This is the sole member of the genus. Sometimes placed in the genus Egretta.
Also known in the Old World as Great White Egret, the
Great Egret Casmerodius alba is found on every continent, except Antarctica. At night, they form large communal roosts in large trees
or shrubbery. This individual was at Morro Bay, California, June 2004.
Egretta
This is the largest genus in the family, with 12 species.
The Snowy Egret Egretta thula was one of several heron species that was almost slaughtered to extinction by plume
hunters into the early 20th century. The plumes were used to adorn the then very fashionable ladies' hats, especially in North
America and Europe. Thankfully, due to strict regulations, the Snowy Egret is now as common, if not more so, than before the plume trade.
Photographed at the man-made Tres Rios Wetlands, near Phoenix, Arizona, February 2002.
NON-PASSERINES