The herons are long-legged freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae. Use this tag especially when the species of heron cannot be distinguished. Do not use for cranes or storks.
Although egrets (see: little_egret) are in the same family as herons, it is excessive to use this tag for egrets, which unlike the majority of heron species are white. If the bird you are looking at is mostly or completely white, rather than pale grey or other colors, it is probably an egret, crane or stork.
Herons vs. Cranes vs. Storks
Herons have relatively wide, heavy beaks for stabbing, grabbing and swallowing prey up to the size of rabbits. They fly with their necks bent in an "S" shape, retracted close to the body. They are typically grey or multi-colored.
Cranes (see: red-crowned_crane) will have more delicate beaks, possibly rounder heads and straighter, more slender necks held straight when flying. If the bird has a white body, black neck and red forehead, it is a red-crowned crane.
Storks (see: oriental_stork) are extremely large, with even larger beaks than herons, and fly with their necks straight. They are frequently white with black flight feathers. Think of the stereotypical bird that carries babies in popular culture.
