Discover North Carolina’s herons, egrets, and bitterns. From the towering Great Blue Heron to the tiny, reclusive Least Bittern, this comprehensive guide covers the full range of species found across the Tar Heel State. The guide features custom identification plates and key aspects of each species natural history. Explore vital coastal and inland habitats, locate the state’s best viewing hotspots, and deepen your appreciation for State of North Carolina’s wading birds.

Herons and Egrets: Understanding the Difference

The distinction between “heron” and “egret” is primarily based on traditional naming conventions and visual appearance, particularly plumage color, rather than strict biological classifications. There is no particular set of characters that differentiates one group from the other.

Traditional Naming Conventions:

Historically, the term “egret” has been used to describe members of the Ardeidae family that typically have white plumage, especially those that develop long, decorative plumes “aigrettes” during breeding season, such as the Great Egret and Snowy Egret. In contrast, “heron” is often used for the larger, non-white members of the family.

Exceptions to the Rule:

However, this is not a strict rule, and there are many exceptions. For example:

• The Little Blue Heron is white only as a juvenile, transitioning to a dark gray-blue as an adult.
• The Reddish Egret exhibits both a white color morph and a dark color morph.
• The Great Blue Heron also has a white color morph, as well as individuals with intermediate plumage.

Taxonomic Reality:

From a taxonomic perspective, both herons and egrets belong to the Ardeidae family. Therefore, egrets are, technically, a type of heron, and vice versa. There is no clear-cut scientific division that definitively separates all “herons” from all “egrets.” In fact, the Great Egret (a purely white-plumaged bird) is taxonomically more closely related to the Great Blue Heron than it is to other white-plumaged egrets.

Note: Many people find it tricky to tell the white herons and egrets apart. For help with identification, see my guide: North American White Egrets and Herons: An Identification Guide

Species of Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns in this Guide

While most North American herons, egrets, and bitterns have been recorded in North Carolina (some as vagrant or accidental), this guide focuses on species whose official range includes the Tar Heel State, as documented by the eBird/Science platform.

Because North Carolina’s wetlands are biodiverse, you will often find herons and egrets sharing these habitats with other bird species. For a complete picture of the state’s avian life, you can explore our dedicated guide to North Carolina’s Ducks, Geese, and Swans, or browse our overview of other North Carolina Wetland Birds, including storks, snipes, ibises, spoonbills, and rails.

Species	Key Identification Features
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)	Largest North American heron; gray, heavy bill, vocal. Includes a white morph.
Great Egret (Ardea alba)	Slender, very long neck, yellow bill, and black legs.
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)	Small, slender; black bill, yellow face, black legs, bright yellow feet.
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens)	Large, slender; bicolored bill, dark and white morphs, forages in shallow saltwater.
Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)	Slender, long-necked; very long, slender bill; white belly, dark upperparts.
Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)	Slender; faint bicolored bill; white juvenile plumage, piebald subadult.
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)	Smallest white egret; short neck; often near livestock in highlands.
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)	Small, stocky; dark plumage, pointy bill, crouches near water.
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)	Large, secretive; cryptic plumage, long neck, pointed bill.
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)	Tiny, secretive; buffy and black plumage, moves in dense vegetation.
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)	Stocky, short neck, nocturnal; thick bill, mainly eats fish.
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)	Slender, longer neck, nocturnal; stout black bill, feeds on crabs.

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Species accounts: 12 species of herons, egrets, and bittern that occur in the State of North Carolina:

Great Blue Heron

Identification: Largest North American heron. Gray plumage, large yellow-orange bill. Short black plumes on head. Black and chestnut pattern on shoulder. Immatures: more brownish than adults, dark crown. White form (“Great White Heron”) found in southern Florida and the Caribbean.
Compare: The Little Blue Heron (see below) is much smaller, dark slaty-gray and lacks the large orange bill and patterned head. White form of the Great Blue Heron most similar to Great Egret but has a larger bill and pale legs.
Habitat: Occurs in almost any wetland (ponds, marshes, saltwater bays).
Status & Movements: The Great Blue Heron is a widespread permanent resident in North Carolina, found in coastal marshes, swamps, and rivers year-round. Northern individuals augment this population during winter months.
Behavior: They wade slowly or stand still, stalking prey in shallow water or open fields. In flight, the neck is tucked in, and legs trail behind.
Diet: Fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, insects, and other birds.
Nest: A simple platform made of small sticks in trees, bushes or the ground. Breeds in multi-species colonies of  500 or more nests.
Breeding: Egg laying: Mid March-early June | Clutch Size: 2-6 eggs | Number of Broods: 1-2 | Egg color: Pale blue | Incubation Period: 27-29 days | Nestling Period: 49-81 days.
Lifespan: The Great Blue Heron lives at least 24 years and 6 months.
How many are there?: The global breeding population is estimated to be 700,000. Species of low conservation concern.
Conservation: Great Blue Heron numbers are stable and increased in the U.S. between 1966 and 2019.

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Great Egret

Identification: Tall, long black legs, all white plumage, and bright yellow bill. Smaller than a Great Blue Heron, larger than a Snowy Egret.
Compare: Size, bright yellow bill, and black legs an feet help separate from other egrets.
Habitat: Freshwater, brackish, and marine wetlands.
Status & Movements: The Great Egret is common in North Carolina’s coastal marshes as a permanent resident. Inland populations are summer residents, breeding from spring through fall before migrating south.
Behavior: Wades in shallow water to hunt, typically standing still and watching for prey, then strikes with a jab of its neck and bill. 
Diet: Mainly small fish, but also amphibians, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and invertebrates.
Nest: A platform made of sticks and twigs, up to 3 feet across in or near the top of a shrub or tree. Breeds in colonies.
Breeding: Egg laying: Late March-June | Clutch Size: 1-6 eggs, Number of Broods/year: 1-2. | Egg Description: Pale greenish-blue | Incubation Period: 23-27 days | Nestling Period: 21-25 days.
Lifespan: The oldest known Great Egret was 22 years, 10 months old.
How many are there?: Approximately 9.5 million breeding birds on the continent. The Great Egret is considered a species of low concern.

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Snowy Egret

Identification: All white with a black bill, black legs, and yellow feet. Immatures are similar with duller, greenish legs. It’s easily identified by its contrasting black bill and distinctive yellow feet, often called “golden slippers.
Compare: Juvenile Little Blue Heron has dull yellow-green legs and a thicker gray and black bill.
Habitat: They can be found in all types of fresh, salt and brackish water wetlands. 
Status & Movements: The Snowy Egret is widespread in North Carolina’s coastal and estuarine habitats. It maintains a mixed status of permanent residents along the coast and augmented migratory populations present year-round.
Behavior: Wades in shallow water to spear fish. May run back and forth chasing their prey or use their bright yellow feet to paddle in the water or probe in the mud.
Diet: Mostly small fish and frogs, worms, crustaceans, and insects.
Nest: A shallow loosely woven platform of twigs 14–18 inches across. The nest is usually over water in the top or outer branches of shrubs or trees.
Breeding: Egg laying: Mid March- early July | Clutch Size: 2-6 eggs | Egg color: Pale greenish blue | Incubation Period: 24-25 days | Nestling Period: 20-24 days.
Lifespan: The Snowy Egret lives for at least 17 years, 7 months.
How many are there?: Global breeding population at 2.1 million. The Snowy Egret is a bird of low conservation concern.

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Reddish Egret

Identification: A large heron with a shaggy appearance. Dark morph adults have grayish blue bodies with a pinkish-cinnamon head and neck, while white morph adults are all white. Both morphs have pink and black bills and cobalt blue legs; juveniles are ashy copper.
Compare: Little Blue Herons are smaller, have a gray and black bill, and behave differently.
Habitat: Salt flats, lagoons, and human-made salt pans. Most foraging occurs in tidal environments.
Status & Movements: The Reddish Egret is primarily a summer resident in North Carolina’s southern coastal estuaries and Outer Banks. A few individuals remain as permanent residents year-round in the warmest southern areas.
Behavior: Energetically chases, herd fish in shallow saltwater, using wings to startle or attract prey by creating shade.
Diet: Primarily small, minnow-like fish, but also shrimp and crab. 
Nest: A flat platform of twigs and sticks, lined with grasses and forbs, usually in trees over water. Nests in mixed-species colonies.
Breeding: Egg laying: March-late June | Clutch Size: 3-6 eggs | Number of Broods: 1 | Egg Appearance: Pale bluish green | Incubation Period: 21-36 days | Nestling Period: 28-35 days.
How many are there?: Estimated global breeding population of 15,000, with about 2,400 breeding in the U.S. The Reddish Egret is threatened by climate change.

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Tricolored Heron

Identification: A medium-sized, slim heron with blue-gray, lavender upperparts and white belly, dagger-like bill. Breeding birds have pale plumes. Juveniles have a rusty neck and rusty sides (wing coverts).
Compare: Little Blue Herons are all blue-gray. Tricolored Herons have a white belly.
Habitat: Coastal estuaries, saltmarshes, mangroves, freshwater marshes.
Status & Movements: The Tricolored Heron is a common permanent resident along the immediate coast and barrier islands of North Carolina. Inland populations are summer residents, breeding and migrating south for winter.
Behavior: The Tricolored Heron is skilled at stalking, chasing, and standing still to capture its prey.
Diet: Eats mostly small fish and other small vertebrates. 
Nest: A bulky platform in a shady tree or shrub up to 13 feet above ground or water. Nests in colonies with other herons and egrets.
Breeding: Egg laying: Mid Jan-early Aug | Clutch Size: 3-5 eggs | Number of Broods: 1 | Egg appearance: Pale greenish blue | Incubation Period: 21-24 days | Nestling Period: 17-21 days.
Lifespan: The oldest recorded Tricolored Heron lived at least 17 years and 8 months.
How many are there?: The U.S. breeding population is approx. 194,000 birds. The Tricolored Heron is a bird of low conservation concern.

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Little Blue Heron

Identification: Adults are dark blue-gray with a purple-maroon head and neck. Juveniles are entirely white, transitioning to a patchy “calico” mix and eventually the blue-gray of the adult. Its dark-tipped, blue-based bill helps distinguish it from other egrets. They have greenish legs.
Compare: Snowy Egrets are often mistaken for juvenile Little Blue Herons. Snowy Egrets have an all black bill and legs (with yellow feet) compared with the grayish tipped-black bill and greenish legs in the Little Blue Herons.
Habitat: Little Blue Herons can be found in marshes, swamps,  ponds, streams, lagoons, tidal flats.
Status & Movements: The Little Blue Heron is a migratory summer breeder across most of North Carolina’s coastal plain, migrating south for winter. It remains a permanent resident along the state’s southern coast.
Behavior: The Little Blue Heron is a stand-and-wait predator. It watches the water for prey, moving slowly or flying to new locations.
Diet: They primarily eat small fish, but also consume small amphibians, crustaceans, and invertebrates.
Nest: The nest is a porous platform of long twigs and sticks  mostly in shrubs and small trees in standing water or on islands. They nest in multi-species colonies.
Breeding: Egg laying: Early March-mid Sept | Clutch Size: 3-4 eggs | Egg appearance: Pale bluish green | Incubation Period: 22-23 days | Nestling Period: 35-49 days |
Lifespan: The oldest known Little Blue Heron was at least 13 years, 11 months old.
How many are there?: The global breeding population is estimated at 1.1 million; populations have declined.

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Cattle Egret

Identification: A stocky heron with a short thick neck. Adults are white with buff plumes during breeding season. The bill is yellow turning bright red before pairing. Juveniles lack colored plumes and have a black bill. 
Compare: Differ from other egrets, by shorter, thicker neck and shorter legs. Great Egrets are much larger than Cattle-Egrets with a much longer and thinner neck.
Habitat: Inundated grasslands, pastures, farmlands, wetlands, and rice paddies. They exploit drier, open areas more than other heron species.
Status & Movements: The Cattle Egret is an abundant breeding summer resident across North Carolina’s pastures and agricultural lands. Some individuals may remain as permanent residents year-round, especially in the coastal plain.
Behavior: Often accompany cattle catching insects and small vertebrates disturbed by these animals. They have a distinctive head-pumping strut. 
Diet: Primarily insects like grasshoppers, crickets, flies and any other invertebrate. They may also eat eggs and chicks of small birds.
Nest: A platform of sticks in trees or shrubs in swamps or reed vegetation in marshes. It breeds in colonies with other wading birds. 
Breeding: Egg laying: March-June | Clutch Size: 3-4 eggs | Number of Broods: 1 | Egg Appearance: Pale bluish-white | Incubation Period: 23 days | Nestling Period: 30 days.
Lifespan: Can reach a longevity of 15 years.
How many are there?: Estimated global population is 3.8–6.7 million individuals. The Cattle Egret is a species of low conservation concern.

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Green Heron

Identification: Green Herons have a velvet-green back, rich chestnut body, and a dark cap. Juveniles are browner, with pale streaking on the neck and spots on the wings.
Compare: Green Herons are larger than Least Bitterns, which have straw-colored wings and neck. Green Herons have greenish wings and a chestnut neck.
Habitat: Swamps, marshes, lakes, ponds, impoundments, and other wet habitats with trees and shrubs.
Status & Movements: The Green Heron is a widespread breeding summer resident in North Carolina’s wetlands and rivers, departing south for winter. A small number remains year-round as permanent residents along the southern coast.
Behavior: Green Herons hunt by standing still or walking slowly at the water’s edge. When a fish approaches, the heron lunges and darts its head. 
Diet: Mainly small fish. They also feed on insects, spiders, crustaceans, snails, amphibians, reptiles, and rodents.
Nest: A simple platform made of sticks 8–12 inches across. Pairs choose a secluded site, usually in a tree or bush with overhanging branches to conceal the nest. 
Breeding: Egg laying: Mid February-early July | Clutch Size: 3-5 eggs | Number of Broods: 1-2 broods | Incubation Period: 19-21 days | Egg color: Pale green to bluish | Nestling Period: 16-17 days.
Lifespan: The Green Heron lives at least 8 years, 11 months old.
How many are there?: The global breeding population is estimated at 1.2 million. Green Herons are fairly common, but their population has suffered a decline.

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American Bittern

Identification: Medium-sized heron with a compact body, shorter legs, and a thick neck. Warm brown, buff with strong streaks. When alarmed, it points its bill straight up to blend with reeds. 
Compare: Most similar to juvenile night-herons. Note striped neck, plain unspotted wings, and even more secretive behavior. Least Bittern is half the size of an American Bittern.
Habitat: Shallow freshwater marshes with reeds and vegetation, typically near the margins. 
Status & Movements: The American Bittern is primarily a passage migrant and common winter resident in North Carolina’s coastal plain wetlands, present fall through spring. Rare breeding occurs in mountain and piedmont wetlands.
Diet: Insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals and large insects. 
Nest: A mound or platform built among thick stands of cattails or bulrushes on shallow water or on dry ground.
Breeding: Egg laying: April-June | Clutch Size: 2-7 eggs | Incubation Period: 24-28 days | Nestling Period: 7-14 days (chicks linger around nest for weeks) | Egg color: Beige-brown to olive.
Lifespan: The American Bittern lives at least 8 years and 4 months.
How many are there?: The global breeding population is estimated at 2.5 million. The American Bittern is considered a species of low conservation concern.

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Least Bittern

Identification: The tiny male Least Bittern appears blackish above and buffy-brown below. Females and younger birds are more uniformly buff or brownish. Juveniles have a scaly appearance.
Compare: American Bittern inhabits wetland marshes, whereas Least Bittern typically clings to marsh vegetation. Also, American Bittern is much larger than the Least Bittern.
Habitat: Freshwater and brackish marshes with tall stands of cattails or reed beds. 
Status & Movements: The Least Bittern is a secretive summer breeding resident in North Carolina’s dense marshes. Arriving in spring, it departs by fall, but some individuals may overwinter in the warmest coastal areas.
Behavior: Least Bitterns hunt by standing motionless and watching the water for prey. When disturbed, they may compress the body, distend the neck and bill upward, and sway with the reeds in an attempt at camouflage.
Diet: Eat small fish, small snakes, frogs, tadpoles, salamanders, slugs, crayfish, mice, dragonflies, and leeches.
Nest: The Least Bittern constructs a well-hidden nest, pulling on the reeds and crimping them to form a platform held together with stalks and sticks.
Breeding: Egg laying: May-mid July | Clutch Size: 2-6 eggs | Number of Broods: 1-2 broods | Egg color: Pale blue or green | Incubation Period: 17-20 days | Nestling Period: 6-15 days.
How many are there?: The global breeding population is estimated to be 310,000. It is considered a species of low conservation concern.

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Black-crowned Night-Heron

Identification: Adults have light-gray plumage with a black back and crown. Immatures are brown with white spots and blurry streaks. Adults have all-black bills, while immatures have yellow-and-black bills.
Compare: Adult Yellow-crowned Night-Herons have scaly upperparts whereas Black-crowned Night Herons has a black back and gray and unmarked rest of the body. Juveniles resemble an American Bittern.
Habitat:  Saltmarshes, freshwater and brackish water wetlands of all types.
Status & Movements:  The Black-crowned Night-Heron is a permanent resident along North Carolina’s coast and eastern Piedmont. Western populations are summer breeders, arriving in spring and migrating south for winter.
Behavior: Most active at night or at dusk. They spend their days perched on tree limbs or concealed among foliage and branches.
Diet: They are opportunistic feeders eating many kinds of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine animals. They also eat carrion, plant materials, and garbage from landfills.
Nest: It nests in a tree or in cattails; a platform of sticks and other woody vegetation.
Breeding: Egg laying: mid Nov-late July, Clutch Size: 3-5 eggs | Egg appearance: Greenish-blue | Incubation Period: 24-26 days | Nestling Period: 29-34 days.
Lifespan: The Black-crowned Night Heron lives at least 21 years, 5 months.
How many are there?: Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 3 million. Species of low conservation concern.  

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Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

Identification: Adults have cloudy gray plumage, a black head with white cheek patches, and a creamy yellow crown. Immatures are brown with fine white spots, and streaky underparts.
Compare: Adult Yellow-crowned Night-Herons have scaly upperparts whereas Black-crowned Night Herons has a black back and gray unmarked rest of the body. Juveniles resemble an American Bittern.
Habitat: Most common in coastal wetlands, barrier islands, saltmarshes, and mangroves. They also occur inland along bottomland forests, swamps, and sometimes wet lawns or fields.
Status & Movements:  The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron is a permanent resident in coastal and southeastern North Carolina. It extends inland as a migratory breeder during the summer months.
Behavior: Yellow-crowned Night Herons slowly stalk prey in or near shallow water. They forage both during the day and at night.
Diet: They feed primarily on freshwater and saltwater crabs, fiddler crabs, and crayfish. Also insects, fish, small snakes, and small mammals.
Nest: The nest is a platform of sticks with a slight hollow in the center. It is built near or over water.
Breeding: Egg laying: Mid March-mid June | Clutch Size: 2-6 eggs | Egg appearance: Pale bluish green | Incubation Period: 24-25 days | Nestling Period: 30-43 days.
Lifespan: Yellow-crowned Night Herons live at least 6 years.
How many are there?: The global breeding population is estimated at 400,000. Species of low conservation concern.

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Exploring Heron, Egret, and Bittern Habitats

The extensive network of aquatic ecosystems in North Carolina supports one of the richest concentrations of wading birds in North America. While some species are generalists, appearing in almost any roadside ditch or pond, others are specialized to specific habitats. Knowing the habitat often helps narrow down the identification. These habitats include:

Estuaries: Where freshwater rivers meet the saltwater of the ocean, creating brackish environments. These are highly productive areas, providing abundant food sources. Expect to see a high diversity of egrets and herons, particularly during low tide when foraging is optimal.

Wetlands: Including salt marshes, freshwater marshes, swamps, and pocosins. These areas are vital for filtering water, preventing floods, and providing habitat. These areas attract species that prefer freshwater prey, such as the American Bittern and Green Herons.

Rivers: From slow-moving coastal rivers to faster-flowing Piedmont and mountain rivers. Riverbanks and floodplains offer foraging and nesting sites. Look for herons along riverbanks and in shallow areas, especially during early morning and late evening.

Lakes, Lagoons, and Reservoirs: Including natural lakes and man-made reservoirs that provide open water and shoreline habitats. Look for herons along riverbanks and in shallow areas, especially during early morning and late evening.

Coastal versus Inland Habitats

The coastal habitats: The mix of saltwater and freshwater are particularly productive for these wading birds. Estuaries, where rivers meet the ocean, offer abundant food sources like fish, crabs, and shrimp. Salt marshes, with their shallow waters and dense vegetation, provide ideal foraging and nesting sites.

Inland habitats: While the coast boasts a high concentration of these birds, inland areas also offer valuable habitats. Freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands provide essential foraging and nesting sites.

North Carolina Wading Bird Hotspots: Top 5 Locations for Viewing

North Carolina’s diverse aquatic habitats, from the Outer Banks’ barrier islands to its extensive inland sounds, support substantial concentrations of herons, egrets, and bitterns. These regional hotspots offer varied environments ideal for observing the state’s resident, breeding, and transient wading birds.

Location List

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR): Located on the Outer Banks. This long barrier island features brackish marshes, ocean beaches, and shallow impoundments. It is a critical transient and foraging spot for Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, and abundant Great Blue Herons.

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge (NWR): Situated in eastern North Carolina, containing the state’s largest natural lake. The dense surrounding marsh and cypress swamps provide ideal habitat. Look for the secretive American Bittern, Least Bittern, and migrating Black-crowned Night-Herons.

Masonboro Island Reserve: Located near Wilmington. This undeveloped barrier island features pristine salt marshes and tidal flats accessible by boat. The protected environment supports nesting colonies of Tricolored Herons, Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, and abundant foraging Little Blue Herons.

Croatan National Forest: Located near New Bern. This large forest contains unique pocosin swamps, pine flatwoods, and estuarine creeks. These habitats are reliable spots for the camouflaged Green Heron along creek edges, as well as resident Great Blue Herons and migratory Cattle Egrets.

Donal C. O’Brien, Jr. Audubon Sanctuary (Pine Island): Located on Currituck Sound. This site is known for its large wading bird rookery. It offers spectacular views of nesting Great Egret, Snowy Egret, and the less common Reddish Egret (casual visitor) during the summer months.

Final Remarks:

The State of North Carolina offers plenty of habitats for herons, egrets, and bitterns. This guide has covered the twelve species of herons, egrets, and bitterns known to occur in the State of North Carolina. While some of these species are widespread and familiar, others are more secretive and local, being associated with specific habitat types. We hope this guide enhances your appreciation for these large and ubiquitous birds.

Photo Credits:

The photographic material used in this guide was made available on various websites. Many thanks to Andrew Morffew, Mark Mochell, Elizabeth Milson, Duzan Brinkhuizen, Matt Weller, Troy Anderson, Dennis Church, Wendy Miller, Rick From Alabama, Carlos Sanchez, John Benson, Mick Thompson, Steve Guttman, Victor Espinoza, Kelly Colgan-Azar, Andy Reago, Chrissy McLaren, Garry C., Michael Janke, Cuatro77, Linda Fortuna, Vicky DeLoach, Paul Hurtado, Tom Murray, Tom Wilberding, Patricia Pierce, Kenneth Cole-Schneider, Doug Greenberg, Brian Garrett, David White, Victoria Pickering, Becky Matsubara, Dan Mooney, and Julio Mulero.

Voices:

Most recordings were made by Paul Marvin (Xeno-canto https://xeno-canto.org/contributor/RFTXRYBVBX)

References and Sources:

• eBird. (https://ebird.org/)
• Sibley, David, 2000, The Sibley Guide to Birds.
• Species Longevity Data: United States Geological Survey (https://www.usgs.gov/)
• Allaboutbirds (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/)

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To learn more about Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns, please follow the link to the main pillar page: A Complete Guide to North American Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns