Bitterns, Herons, and Egrets
Order: Ciconiiformes. Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium- to large-sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter-necked and more secretive. Unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. In South Carolina, 12 species have been recorded.
- American Bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus
- Least Bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
- Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias
- Great Egret, Ardea alba
- Snowy Egret, Egretta thula
- Little Blue Heron, Egretta caerulea
- Tricolored Heron, Egretta tricolor
- Reddish Egret, Egretta rufescens
- Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Green Heron, Butorides virescens
- Black-crowned Night Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Nyctanassa violacea
Read more about this topic: List Of Birds Of South Carolina