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What are herons?
HERONS
Species:
Herons are wading birds belonging to the Ardeidae Family.

Sizes:
Herons range from medium to large. Some herons like the Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath), stands tall at 1.4-1.5metres, while some herons are smaller in size, such as the Striated Heron. Grey Herons and Purple Herons usually stand at a height of about 1metres.

Nutrition:
They feed on insects, amphibians, crustaceans and other small aquatic animals.

Features:
Herons were named among the most intelligent birds, reflecting a wide variety, flexibility and adaptiveness to acquire food. Their long necks and powerful beaks help them to catch their prey easily. They have long, pointed bills, small heads, long snake-like necks and long legs and toes and fly with their necks retracted.

Habitat:
They live mostly in mangrove, swamp areas or other wetlands, with a water source nearby and usually nest colonially in trees. Herons are good indicators of the health of wetlands as they are sensitive to disturbance and changes in the environment. Herons are mainly threatened by water and noise pollutions, overuse of pesticides, human interference and habitat destructions.