Long-Legged WADERS of Europe
The long-legged waders are comprised of the egrets, herons, ibises, spoonbills, storks, and flamingos. They are a diverse group, united by their long legs that enable them to wade for food.
Egrets
Order Pelicaniformes Family Ardeidae
Herons (egrets), Pelicans, and Storks are related. Whether they should be grouped in one, two, or three orders is disputed. The grouping followed here is: Herons - Pelicaniformes; Pelicans - Pelicaniformes; and storks - Ciconiiformes
The herons and egrets make up the Ardeidae family. Species belonging to genus Ardea are usually considered to be herons and those belonging to genus Egretta are called egrets. However, there is no clear distinction between herons and egrets. Those species that are white or have fancy plumage are usually called egrets. Bitterns also belong to the Ardeidae family.A common feature of the Ardeidae species is that they fly with their necks retracted, unlike the ibis that fly with their necks outstretched.
Genus Bubulcus - 1 species
Egret, Cattle Bubulcus ibis Found - The Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia.
Similar to: Great Egret. Great Egret is much bigger and has a proportionally longer neck.
Similar to: Little Egret. Cattle Egret has yellow bill; Little Egret has black bill.
Similar to: Little Egret. Cattle Egret has yellow bill; Little Egret has black bill.
5, 6) Dick - Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island 8) Dick - Boquette, Panama
1, 2, 3) Breeding
Genus Egretta
Egret, Little Egretta garzetta Fourd: North America (uncommon), Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand
Similar to: Cattle Egret. Cattle Egret has yellow bill; Little Egret has black bill.
Similar to: Great Egret. Great Egret is much larger than Little Egret. Great Egret can be distinguished by its yellow bill and black feet.
Similar to: Great Egret. Great Egret is much larger than Little Egret. Great Egret can be distinguished by its yellow bill and black feet.
3) Dick - Cairns, Australia 4) Birdman1 - the Okovango Delta of Botswana, Africa
5) Arno Meintjes 6, 7) Sandy Cole - St. Lucia, South Africa
1, 2) Breeding plumage. 7) The Little Egret, Egyption Geese, and Reed Cormorant kept the crocodile from coming ashore.
