Ardeidae

Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, and Night Herons

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A Field Guide to Eastern Birds. by Roger Tory Peterson.

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The Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns are generally wading birds found in marshes, swamps, along mudflats, and in lagoons. The Herons and Egrets have long legs for wading, long sinuous necks, and large, sharp bills for stabbing their prey. Bitterns are secretive birds living hidden among rushes and reeds. Night Herons have short necks, but otherwise live the lives of Herons and Egrets. There are 64 species of the family Ardeidae worldwide. Twelve species breed in North America, and all 12 of them are found in the east.