Pelicans, Herons, and Allies

(Order: Pelecaniformes)

These birds are characterized by long beaks and their habitat of water. They are generally larger birds with long legs.

Great Blue Heron

Ardeas herodias

The great blue heron is a wading bird. They are tall and stand still to wait for their prey.

 

Close-up portrait of a great blue heron with long orange beak against a blurred green background.

Yellow Crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea
Yellow-crowned Night Heron standing in wetland displaying distinctive white plume and orange eye.

Yellow crowned night herons are stunning birds. These herons sport an off-white crown with a long plume. Like other herons, these birds often hunt in the water.

Great Egret

Ardea alba
Elegant Great Egret perched on a branch against a dramatic dark background with water reflection below.

The great egret is a classic all-white bird sporting black legs and an orange beak.

Green Heron

Butorides virescens
A green heron leans forward on a mossy log over water, holding a small fish in its beak.

Spending only the summer in Virginia, the green heron is small and vibrantly colored.