heron

Herons, a family of elegant birds with long necks and legs, play a central role in many ecosystems as hunters of fish and other small animals. This fact sheet provides a detailed overview of the biology and habits of herons and highlights the importance of their protection and conservation in natural habitats.

heron Products

Profile: heron

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Birds (Aves)
    • Order: Ciconiiformes
    • Family: Herons (Ardeidae)
    • Genus: Various genera such as Ardea (great egrets) and Egretta (small egrets)
    • Species: Various species such as the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), the Great Egret (Ardea alba) and the Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length of 60-150 cm, depending on the species
    • Wingspan: 100-200 cm
    • Weight: 500 g to 2.5 kg
    • Special features: Long, slender bodies, long legs and necks, pointed beaks, usually white or grey colouring with different shades depending on the species. The grey heron has a distinctive grey colouring and a yellow beak.

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Worldwide, except Antarctica
    • Habitat: Wetlands such as rivers, lakes, swamps, mangroves and coastal areas; prefers waters with abundant food and a safe breeding site.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Carnivore
    • Typical diet: fish, amphibians, small mammals, insects, crustaceans and reptiles; some heron species also eat aquatic plants and smaller birds.

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Mating season: spring to summer
    • Breeding behavior: Nests are usually built in trees, on banks or on rocks, often in colonies
    • Eggs: 2-6 eggs per clutch
    • Brood care: Both parents participate in brood care and feeding the chicks
    • Habitat: Herons are mostly solitary, especially during the breeding season, but they also form large colonies during the breeding season.

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: Up to 15 years in the wild
    • Endangered status: Many heron species are not threatened, but some, such as the great egret and night heron, are threatened due to habitat loss and pollution.
    • Conservation measures: protection of wetlands, restoration of water bodies, control of pollution and monitoring of stocks.