Herons are a group of long-legged wading birds in the family Ardeidae. They are widespread and can be found near both freshwater and saltwater habitats in most parts of the world. There are a number of wading bird species that bear a close resemblance to the heron in terms of size, shape, behavior, and habitat. This article will examine some of the birds that are most similar to the heron and detail their shared characteristics as well as the differences that distinguish each species.
Egrets
The egret is likely the bird that is most similar to and easily confused with the heron. Egrets belong to the same taxonomic family as herons – Ardeidae. There are several different egret species found throughout the world, some of the more widespread include:
- Great Egret
- Little Egret
- Snowy Egret
- Reddish Egret
- Cattle Egret
Like herons, egrets are long-necked, long-legged wading birds. They stalk prey in shallow water environments, remaining still for long periods of time before striking quickly with their bills when prey comes near. Most egret species are white or have white plumage, which allows them to camouflage well in their wetland habitats. The wingspans of different egret species vary from around 3 feet up to over 5 feet, comparable in size to many heron species.
While they share a number of similarities, some key differences help distinguish egrets from herons:
- Egrets tend to have brighter bills and skin during breeding season compared to the more muted coloring of herons.
- The plumes and feathers of egrets like the Great Egret are used for decoration and ornamentation, unlike heron plumes.
- Egrets are more social than herons, and are more likely to live and breed closer together in colonies.
- The neck of an egret is noticeably slimmer than that of a heron.
Bitterns
Bitterns belong to the same family as herons and egrets and bear many similarities in terms of physique and habits. There are 11 recognized species of bitterns, some examples include:
- American Bittern
- Eurasian Bittern
- Black Bittern
- Australasian Bittern
Like herons, bitterns are solitary birds that wade through marshes and wetlands searching for fish, amphibians, and insects to eat. They have long legs and necks, allowing them to hunt in deeper water. Their plumage is cryptically colored to provide camouflage in reed beds and marsh vegetation.
Some key features distinguish bitterns from herons:
- Bitterns tend to be shorter and stockier than most herons with shorter legs and thicker necks.
- They rely more heavily on camouflage and concealment, freezing in place when threatened rather than fleeing like a heron.
- Their bills are shorter than those of herons.
- Most bitterns utilize a boom call that sounds like a foghorn, unlike the squawks of herons.
Other Similar Birds
Limpkin
The limpkin is a wading bird found in wetlands of the Americas, mainly from Florida to South America. It has drab, heron-like plumage and long legs for wading. A key difference is its specialized bill which curves slightly downward – an adaptation for extracting apple snails from shells.
Boat-Billed Heron
This stocky, short-necked heron of Central and South America has a large, broad bill – giving rise to its name. It lacks the grace of other long-necked herons and egrets.
Night Herons
There are two main species – the black-crowned night heron of North America and the night heron native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. As their name indicates, they are nocturnal feeders. They have stockier builds and shorter necks compared to daytime herons.
Shoebill
This unusual heron-like bird lives in the swamps of East Africa. Its most distinctive feature is its massive, shoe-shaped bill. Shoebills feed mostly on lungfish and other fish species.
Comparing Measurements of Herons and Similar Birds
The table below compares the average sizes of some heron species and similar wading birds:
Species | Length (in) | Wingspan (in) |
---|---|---|
Great Blue Heron | 45 | 79 |
Grey Heron | 39 | 67 |
Great Egret | 39 | 52 |
Black-crowned Night Heron | 25 | 43 |
American Bittern | 28 | 44 |
Shoebill | 51 | 82 |
This table illustrates that while the heron is certainly on the larger end of the scale, there is considerable variation in size across the different species. The Great Blue Heron is one of the largest wading birds, approaching the size of the massive Shoebill. Smaller bitterns and night herons overlap with egrets in terms of typical measurements.
Habitats
Herons and their lookalike species all inhabit areas with shallow, open water that provides feeding opportunities:
- Marshes
- Swamps
- Streams and rivers
- Wet meadows
- Tidal flats
- Lake edges
- Irrigation ditches
- Flooded fields
Finding food is dependent on water levels. All these wading birds will leave in search of better foraging if water becomes too deep or dries up completely. Their long legs allow them to hunt in much deeper water than most other birds can manage.
Birdwatching Tips
While herons and similar species overlap significantly in habitat preferences, there are a few strategies birdwatchers can use to try and distinguish them in the field:
- Pay attention to size – larger birds like the Great Blue Heron are easier to identify.
- Note differences in bill size and shape.
- Watch neck position – herons fly with their necks folded back, bitterns are more hunched over.
- Check for any ornamental plumes that may indicate an egret.
- Listen for calls – bitterns have a distinct low boom.
Getting a good view of the legs can also help – egrets and herons have yellowish legs while bitterns are colored black or greenish. Watching behavior is also informative – the more social gathering of egrets in contrast to the solitary heron.
Conclusion
While herons have a distinctive appearance, there are a number of other wading birds that share similar size, habitat preferences, and hunting behaviors. Egrets and bitterns in particular overlap significantly with herons and can be challenging to distinguish in the field without close observation of details like bill shape, plumage, and leg coloration. Even within a shared family, the different species show unique adaptations for feeding and survival in their wetland homes. Birdwatchers should get to know the different lookalike species that inhabit marshes and wetlands alongside the iconic heron.