Ardeinae facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ardeinae
Eastern great egret (Ardea alba modesta)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Pelecaniformes
Family:	Ardeidae
Subfamily:	Ardeinae
Genera
13, see text

Ardeinae is a group of birds that includes many types of herons and egrets. These birds are known for their long legs, long necks, and sharp beaks. You can often spot them standing still in shallow water, waiting to catch fish, frogs, or insects. They are sometimes called "day herons" or "night herons" depending on when they hunt.

What are Herons and Egrets?

Herons and egrets are wading birds, which means they walk through shallow water. They are part of a larger bird family called Ardeidae. The Ardeinae group is like a big family within that larger group. These birds are found all over the world, in many different habitats like wetlands, marshes, rivers, and even coastal areas.

How They Hunt

Most herons and egrets are expert hunters. They often stand very still, sometimes for a long time, blending in with their surroundings. When a fish or other small animal comes close, they quickly strike with their long necks and sharp beaks. Some herons, like the Black heron, even use their wings to create shade over the water. This helps them see fish better by reducing glare.

Different Kinds of Ardeinae

There are many different types of herons and egrets in the Ardeinae group. They come in various sizes and colors, from the large Goliath heron to the smaller Little egret. Some are bright white, like the egrets, while others have shades of blue, green, or brown.

Here are some examples of the different kinds of herons and egrets:

• Night Herons: These birds, like the Black-crowned night heron, are more active at dusk or during the night.
• Pond Herons: Birds like the Indian pond heron often live near ponds and blend in well with the plants around them.
• Cattle Egrets: The Western cattle egret is special because it often hangs out near farm animals like cows. It eats the insects that the animals stir up.
• Typical Herons: This group includes well-known birds like the Great blue heron and the Grey heron, which are large and often seen near open water.
• Typical Egrets: These are often white birds, such as the Snowy egret and Little egret, known for their beautiful feathers.

Fossil Herons

Scientists have also found fossils of ancient herons that lived a very long time ago. These fossils help us understand how herons and egrets have changed and evolved over millions of years. For example, there are fossil genera like Proardea and Zeltornis that show us what some of their ancestors might have looked like.

See Also

• Heron
• Egret

Images for kids

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  A Nankeen night heron, a type of typical night heron.

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  The Yellow-crowned night heron is an American night heron.

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  The Malayan night heron is found in Asia.

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  A Green heron, known for its green-backed feathers.

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  The colorful Agami heron.

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  The Capped heron with its distinctive black cap.

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  An Indian pond heron blending in.

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  A Western cattle egret often seen near cattle.

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  A Great blue heron, a large typical heron.

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  The Whistling heron.

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  A beautiful white egret.