Ardea is a genus of large herons. These large herons are associated with wetlands where they prey on fish and frogs and other aquatic species.
Most members of this almost worldwide group breed colonially in trees, building large stick nests. Northern species such as Great Blue Heron may migrate south in winter, although only from areas where the waters freeze.
These are powerful birds with large spear-like bills, long necks and long legs, which hunt by waiting motionless or stalking their prey in shallow water before seizing it with a sudden lunge. They have a slow steady flight, with the neck retracted as is characteristic of herons and bitterns which distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills, which extend their necks.
