Heron Bird Images by Species

Herons are freshwater and coastal birds that have a nearly global distribution, avoiding only the arctic north, the desert areas and the highest mountains.

Below are images of the different heron species. If you find one that resembles the one that you are trying to ID, please click on the image to take you to the species page with information and more photos.

Photos of the various Egret Species (genera Ardea and Egretta) have been separated. If you can’t ID a bird from any of the below images, please visit the Egret Species Photo Page (related birds) or the Ibis Species Photo Page for other possibilities.

Note: Please keep in mind that heron species have distinct breeding (summer) / non-breeding (winter) plumages. In breeding birds, the plumage is generally more ornate / shaggy. The color of the lores (area between the eyes and the bill), the bill itself and the legs may drastically change to be much brighter.

When trying to ID a bird, find one that most resembles it and click on the image for more photos, which often include both breeding and non-breeding (and juvenile) plumages.

White-faced Herons
Western Reef Heron
Tri-colored Herons
Blue Heron
Grey Heron
Striated Heron, Butorides striata, also known as Mangrove Heron or Little Heron
Green Heron
Madagascar Heron
Little Blue Herons
Chinese Pond Herons
Bare-throated Tiger Heron
Rufescent Tiger Herons (Tigrisoma lineatum)
Agami Heron
Boat-billed Heron
Indina Pond Heron
Goliath Heron
Black-headed Herons
Lava Heron, Butorides sundevalli, also known as the Galapagos Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli) - Breeding Pair on nest with egg
A pair of Nankeen Night Herons at the Melbourne Zoo
Squacco Heron


Beauty Of Birds strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information; however, mistakes do happen. If you would like to correct or update any of the information, please contact us. THANK YOU!!!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

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