Herons Everywhere

Herons are large freshwater and coastal birds, with long legs and long necks and they can be found on all continents except for Antarctica  The size of herons varies across the different species, with the smallest measuring about 30 cm and the largest species can be up to 152cm tall.

Great Blue Heron Gallery Wrap Canvas by Bebops

Herons have very long necks which they are able to extend and retract and they are able to hold their necks in an S shape. While they are flying, a heron's neck is retracted, which is different to other long-necked birds, such as storks and cranes, who fly with their necks outstretched.

Egrets

Egrets are a kind of heron, which are usually white. During the bredding season many egrets develop fine white feathers down their backs. The Animal Zoo has chosen two egrets, the Snowy Egret and the Great Egret.

The Snowy Egret is a small white heron, which is approximately 60 centimetres long. During the breeding season, the yellow upper bills turn red and they get shaggy looking feathers along their backs.

Snowy Egret Postcard
by debinSC

The Great Egret can be distinguished from other egrets by its size, growing up to one metre in height, as well as its yellow beak and black legs. During the breeding season, the Great Egret has delicate feathers down its back.

Egret by rhbrown
View more Great Egret Posters