Herons - Egrets - Bittern

Manuel Antonio National Park is home to several species of wading birds, including Herons (Ardeidae), Egrets (Ardeidae), and Bitterns (Botauridae), which thrive in the park’s wetlands, marshes, and coastal areas. Herons, such as the Great Blue Heron, are tall, graceful birds often seen stalking the shallows in search of fish, amphibians, and small reptiles. Egrets, like the Snowy Egret and the Great Egret, are known for their elegant plumage and are typically found hunting along the edges of rivers and lagoons, where they feed on fish, crustaceans, and insects. Bitterns, such as the American Bittern, are secretive, camouflaged birds that inhabit dense marshes, where they prey on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. These wading birds play crucial roles in maintaining the ecological balance of the park’s aquatic ecosystems by controlling populations of small prey species, contributing to the health of the park’s rich biodiversity.