Egrets are not cranes and cranes are not herons, but egrets represent some of the 64 heron species alive today. Herons are among the most recognizable and observed large wading birds. Their long-legs and neck are trademark characteristics used for hunting vertebrate and invertebrate species along river, lake and ocean shores. Belonging to the family Ardeidae, herons are a diverse group that include the diminutive little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) whose stature tops out at 35cm as well as the sub-Saharan Goliath heron (Ardea goliath) that stretches 152cm from head to toe. Despite their somewhat similar appearance, herons are definitely not cranes. Cranes belong to the Family Gruidae, and while the two groups share common ancestry, they are anatomically and behaviorally distinct. Want to know more?... Did You Know 9 posts tomorrow ;-)
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