Heron (family Ardeidae)

BirdWading birdCarnivore

Overview

Herons are tall, long-legged wading birds of the family Ardeidae, found near water across much of the world. With long necks and dagger-like bills, they are patient hunters of fish and other small animals at the water's edge. The animal shown here is the grey heron (Ardea cinerea), a widespread and familiar reference species.

The family also includes egrets and bitterns. Herons typically fly with the neck folded back into an S-shape, which helps distinguish them from storks and cranes in flight.

Conservation note: many herons are widespread and common, while some species are more localised. Verify any particular species' status at iucnredlist.org.

Habitat & Range

Herons live in a wide range of wetland habitats — rivers, lakes, marshes, estuaries, and coasts — and some also forage in fields and grassland. They are found on most continents and adapt well to human-altered wetlands, parks, and waterways.

Diet

Herons are carnivores. They feed mainly on fish, caught with a swift strike of the bill, along with amphibians, insects, crustaceans, small mammals, and other prey depending on the species and habitat. They often hunt by standing still or wading slowly and waiting to ambush prey.

Behavior

Many herons hunt alone but nest together in colonies called heronries, often in trees near water. They are most active around dawn and dusk, though some feed through the day. Their slow, deliberate stalking and sudden strike are characteristic, and in flight the folded neck and trailing legs are distinctive.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Herons are a familiar sight at wetlands and are generally tolerant of people. The main pressures on herons relate to wetland loss and water quality, though many species remain common. For current status, consult authoritative sources such as the IUCN Red List.

More photos of the heron