Order Ciconiiformes 63 species in 18 genera Size: Between 27 cm (Little and Dwarf bitterns, Ixobrychus minutus and I.sturmii) and 140 cm (Goliath Heron, Ardea goliath). Distribution: All the continents, excepting Antarctica. Many migratory species. Habitat: All types of aquatic ecosystems. Nocturnal species are more dependent on dense vegetation areas in the habitat, to find refuge during daytime. Feeding: Carnivorous birds, feeding mainly on aquatic prey (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, small mammals and a great variety of invertebrates). Breeding: Platform made of sticks, reeds and other vegetal materials, placed usually above water or close to it. Monogamous. Solitary or colonial. 3-7 eggs. Incubation 18-30 days. Nestling period very variable, from 25 days in the smallest species to 13 weeks in the largest ones. Threat status: 8 threatened species (1 Critically Endangered, 5 Endangered and 2 Vulnerable). 4 Extinct. [+info]