Heron

water birds · hunters · long-legged · patient stalkers

Super long legs. Herons have incredibly long, thin legs that let them wade through deep water while hunting for fish. Their height helps them spot prey from far away and stay steady in the water.

75 species worldwide. There are 75 different types of herons around the world, and some are called egrets or bitterns instead. Despite their different names, they are all part of the same heron family, Ardeidae.

Patient hunters. Herons stand perfectly still in the water, waiting for fish to swim by, then strike with their long, sharp beaks in a lightning-fast move. Their long necks give them extra reach to catch fish, frogs, and other prey.

Egrets and plumes. Some herons are called egrets, and they are usually white or have fancy feathers called plumes during breeding season. Egrets are not a separate type of bird, just herons with different looks and names.

Bitterns hide in reeds. Bitterns are herons that live in thick marshes and reedy areas instead of open water. They have striped feathers that help them blend in with the tall plants around them.