Heron << HEHR uhn >> is any of about 60 species of wading birds, including egrets and bitterns. Herons are graceful birds with long, pointed bills that seem to extend right into their eyes. Most herons have narrow heads, long slender necks, and sticklike legs that are similar to the legs of cranes and storks. Some herons have long crests and plumes on their throats and bodies. Herons live on all continents except Antarctica.
Habits.
In flight, herons stretch their long legs straight out behind them and curl their heads between their shoulders. Cranes, storks, and ibises fly with their necks extended. Herons usually nest and roost in flocks, but they often hunt food alone. Their nesting places are called heronries. The nests consist of loose, crude masses of sticks or reeds built in treetops, bushes, or thick marsh vegetation. The female lays three to six eggs. Young herons are helpless for a few weeks after they hatch. Their parents carry food to the young birds until they can fly.
In search of food, herons travel along the shores of streams, lakes, ponds, and even fields with a stately stride, silent and alone. Some heron species may stand for a long time with the head drawn between the shoulders. Such herons appear to be asleep, but they are patiently waiting for fish, frogs, crayfish, and other small animals. As soon as they see prey, they make a lightning dart and catch the victim in their spearlike bill.
Loading the player...Great blue heron
American herons.
The largest American heron is the great blue heron. It lives throughout much of North America. The grey heron ranks as the most common European heron, while the white-faced heron lives in Australia. Some of the most colorful heron species include the green heron of North America and the purple heron of southern Europe and Asia.
