Herons & Egrets  

are larger wading birds with long legs and necks and a straight pointed bill. With the smaller Bitterns they make up the family of Ardeidae in the order of Ciconiifirmes. They are well represented worldwide with 65 species found generally along the coasts and interior wetlands with some exceptions. As most are of tropical distributions, Ecuador boasts of 20 species found along the Pacific ocean, interior lagoons on the coast and in the Amazon, Galapagos islands and some are even encountered in the higher valleys of the Andes.

Herons are mainly tropical birds and occupy all types of coastal and interior wetlands, where they feed on a variety of live aquatic prey like fish, crabs and other invertebrates. Some species like the Cattle Egret are also found away from wetlands on dry land, where they feed on insects or small mammals. Herons range from small species like the Lava Heron at 40 cm to large ones like the Great Blue Heron, which are 140cm long. A characteristic feature of them is their long and slender neck put in an S-shape. Very seldom are they seen with their necks outstretched.

Herons are interesting birds for the many techniques they use in catching live prey. Most species use the stand and wait approach, where they stand patiently in the water (where they often shade the nearby area with their wings) or near the water's edge and wait till the fish or other prey comes by. Some species use other animals to stir up prey which they grab then. A few species like  the Green and Striated Herons even know how to use baits. They put seeds, fruits, twigs (which they also manufacture by breaking them off), etc.. on the water's surface to attract fish. Once prey appears  they spear or grasp it then with their long and pointed bills by a fast forward movement of their head and neck.

Herons are monogamous for the breeding season and engage in elaborate courtship displays. Males obtain bright breeding colors on legs and bills and some like the Great and Snowy Egrets develop aigrettes, which are spectacular head, neck and scapular plumes. After they formed pairs, females build platform nests of sticks in trees, shrubs or bushes near water while the males gather the necessary materials. Up to 10 eggs are laid and both incubate and the hatching is asynchronous. Both parents feed the altricial young, which fledge in 4 - 8 weeks. Having been hunted in their past for their meat and in some species like the egrets for their showy feathers, they became almost extinct in some countries but have now recovered their numbers. 

Location

Birding Vocabulary

Aigrettes: nuptial plumes developed by herons, especially egrets, in the breeding season to be used in courtship displays.