Bitterns, Herons and Egrets
Order: Ciconiiformes. Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds suck as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in New Caledonia.
- Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta (A)
- White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae
- Pacific Reef-Heron Egretta sacra
- Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (A)
- Striated Heron Butorides striata (A)
- Rufous Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus
- Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus (Ex)
Read more about this topic: List Of Birds Of New Caledonia