Typical Herons, Night-herons, Green-backed Herons, Cattle Egrets, Typical Egrets (Subfamily Ardeinae)
Posted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 5:39 pm
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
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
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