Environment

• Herons are water birds and are found near rivers, lakes and marshes. Herons are often found standing in the water or on the bank. They are typically found in tropical and sub-tropical areas, but there are species that live in temperate areas as well.
  
  

Feeding

• Most species, including the Goliath heron and grey heron, feed and hunt alone. However, some species, such as the black heron and the pied heron, hunt and feed as a flock. Herons hunt in the water and eat fish and other aquatic animals.
  
  

Courtship

• During mating season, many species of heron will change color in the beaks and legs, where there are no feathers. Many herons threaten each other and fight during the courtship ritual. Males encourage females to begin nest building by presenting them with sticks.
  
  

Nesting

• Herons build nests from sticks and other available materials. Many species of heron will build nests in the same or neighboring trees. The number of eggs laid varies by species, but is typically between two and six. The incubation period also varies, but is approximately 26 days. Both parents participate in nesting and feeding of the young.
  
  

Outlook

• Most herons are of low concern for the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but two species were considered endangered as of 2008. The white-bellied, or imperial heron---found in India, Tibet and China---is considered critically endangered, and its numbers are declining visibly. The Madagascar pond heron is listed as endangered. It may be found in central and east Africa and some parts of Europe. The white-eared night heron of China and Vietnam is also listed as endangered. In Florida, the little blue heron and the tricolored heron are considered endangered.