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American Bittern is our only confirmed breeding species of heron. It frequents marshes where it is well camouflaged. Its deep, sonorous gulping call - "arrrrUMP GA goonk!" is familiar to most of us. 

Great Blue Heron is the most common heron in Newfoundland other than American Bittern. It is quite possible that the Great Blue Heron nests in Newfoundland, perhaps in the upper reaches of the Codroy Valley, although this has not been confirmed. There are several records of this species over-wintering.

Great Egret is an uncommon but regular spring and fall vagrant in Newfoundland. Their regular summer range includes southern Nova Scotia. Note the massive yellow bill and long, all black legs.

Little Egret is a very rare visitor from Europe. This individual was photographed at Spaniard's Bay in the spring of 1983. It closely resembles the more often-seen Snowy Egret. Little Egret has two long head plumes during breeding season.

Snowy Egret is an uncommon but regular visitor to Newfoundland. This picture shows an adult in breeding plumage. Note the yellow feet and black legs, and the tufted head plumes.

Little Blue Heron is an uncommon but regular visitor in spring and fall. Not the greenish yellow legs and the dark bill tip. This is an immature bird. Adults are a steely blue color.