中文摘要：

鹭科（Ardeidae）鸟类是湿地生态系统中重要的生物种类之一，也是环境质量评价的一类指示动物。我国鹭类有9属20种，除紫背苇鹏为古北界种类，海南璃、黑冠鹏2种为东洋界种类外．其余种类为广布种。重点总结了我国鹭类生物学特征及研究进展，为今后的深入研究及保护工作提供参考。

英文摘要：

Ardeidae birds are important in wetland ecosystem, and are regarded as indicators for environmental assessment. There are 20 species in 9 genus of Ardeidae in China. Except for Ixobrychus eurhythnus belonging to Paloearctic realm, and Gorsachius magniticus, G.orsachius melanolophus belonging to Oriental realm, the other six species belong to cosmopolitan. The biological characteristics and research progress of Ardeidae birds in China were summarized to provide reference for fur- ther research and protection.