Ardea (genus)

Grey Heron ( Ardea cinerea)

Ardea is a genus of herons, which belong to the subfamily of herons. Linnaeus called it Ardea ( Great Egret ) because most species of this genus reach a body bigger than 80 centimeters.

The species of the genus Ardea are distributed almost worldwide and missing only in the very cold regions of the earth. Their habitat is wetlands. Their diet consists mainly of fish, frogs and other small animals that are bound in their way of life to the water. Most species breed in colonies and build their nests in trees. The northern species such as the great blue heron heron and purple heron Canada migrate south in winter. When herons and egrets at Canada this migration only occurs in areas where the water freezes.

The Ardea species are characterized by a long, spear- like beak, long necks and long legs. They acquire their prey by either wait motionless until prey comes into their arm's reach, or they move very slowly through the shallow water before they grab their prey with one swift movement. Ardea species have a slow, steady flight, wherein the neck is put back in the neck. This distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills fly with their necks.

System

Some of the species are very closely related. Thus, the gray, the Canada and the Cocoireiher are seen as representatives of a super species. The classification of the egret in this genus is, however, debatable. It is sometimes also associated with the genus Egretta or Casmerodius. However, the nature has much in common with the Ardea species and is very different mainly due to the plumage coloration.

The following types are among Ardea:

  • Grey Heron, Ardea cinerea
  • Canada heron, Ardea herodias
  • Cocoireiher, Ardea cocoi
  • White -necked Heron, Ardea pacifica
  • Great Egret, Ardea alba
  • Ardea modesta ( previously out as a subspecies of the eastern egret )
  • Means heron, Ardea intermedia
  • Black -headed heron, Ardea melanocephala
  • Madagascar Heron, Ardea humbloti
  • Kaiser heron, Ardea insignis
  • Rußreiher, Ardea sumatrana
  • Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
  • Purple Heron, Ardea purpurea

Earlier also the Cattle Egret ( Bubulcus ibis ) to the genus Ardea was counted.

75718
de