About Herons, Bitterns

Overview

The Herons, Bitterns are a family of birds (Latin: Ardeidae) within the order Pelicans and Allies. Worldwide the family includes about 18 genera and 74 species. Its members are primarily distributed across Africa, South America, the Palearctic. Notable genera include Ardea, Botaurus, Egretta. Pelecaniformes include the pelicans (Pelecanidae) and their allies: the herons, egrets, bitterns, ibises, spoonbills and the hamerkop, about 120 species of long-legged, long-necked wading and water bi…

Classification

Family: Ardeidae (Herons, Bitterns); Order: Pelicans and Allies; about 18 genera and 74 species.

Distribution

Primarily across Africa, South America, the Palearctic.