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. Eight species have been recorded in Tasmania, one of which (the Cattle Egret) is a recent self-introduction, and two others are vagrants.
- Australasian Bittern, Botaurus poiciloptilus
- White-necked Heron, Ardea pacifica (V)
- Eastern Great Egret, Ardea modesta
- Cattle Egret, Ardea ibis
- White-faced Heron, Egretta novaehollandiae
- Eastern Reef Egret, Egretta sacra (V)
- Little Egret, Egretta garzetta
- Nankeen Night Heron, Nycticorax caledonicus
Read more about this topic: List Of Birds Of Tasmania