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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Heron

Herons are long-legged, long-necked wading birds in the family Ardeidae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Herons are long-legged, long-necked wading birds in the family Ardeidae. The group includes about 60 species worldwide, and some species are commonly called egrets or bitterns. In Canada, 12 heron-family species have been recorded, including herons, egrets, night herons, and bitterns.

Classification

Herons are placed in the family Ardeidae. Sources note that the family includes herons, egrets, and bitterns, and that classification can vary somewhat across references.

Physical characteristics

Herons are typically tall birds with long legs, long necks, broad wings, and a long pointed bill. When flying, they usually pull the neck back into an S-shape.

Habitat and feeding

Herons live near shallow water, including wetlands, ponds, marshes, lakes, coasts, and streams. They hunt fish and other small aquatic animals in shallow water.

Distribution

Herons are widely distributed around the world and are found on nearly every continent. They are most common in warm regions and the tropics.

Key facts

  • Herons are wading birds with long legs, long necks, and pointed bills.
  • They belong to the family Ardeidae.
  • The group includes roughly 60 species worldwide.
  • Herons feed in shallow water, often by standing still and striking prey with the bill.
  • They are found on most continents and are especially common in tropical regions.
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Canadian context

Herons are relevant to Canadian readers because several species occur in Canada, and The Canadian Encyclopedia identifies 12 heron-family species there, including herons, egrets, night herons, and bitterns.[4]

Frequently asked questions

What is a heron?
A heron is a long-legged, long-necked wading bird in the family Ardeidae.
How many species of heron are there?
Sources describe about 60 species worldwide, though some references count slightly differently depending on classification.
Do egrets count as herons?
Some species commonly called egrets are included in the heron family Ardeidae, though common names vary.
What do herons eat?
Herons feed on small fish, crustaceans, insects, amphibians, and reptiles.
Where do herons live?
They live near shallow water in wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes, coasts, and streams.
Are herons found in Canada?
Yes. The Canadian Encyclopedia notes 12 heron-family species in Canada, including true herons, egrets, night herons, and bitterns.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/heron
    Supports: Definition of herons, family Ardeidae, approximate number of species, and broad distribution.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/heron
    Supports: Number of species worldwide, number of heron-family species in Canada, and feeding habitat/diet.
  3. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heron
    Supports: Dictionary definition describing the bird’s long neck, long legs, long bill, and family Ardeidae.
  4. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/heron/390616
    Supports: General traits, habitat, feeding behavior, size range, and relationship to egrets and bitterns.
  5. Vocabulary.com — https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/heron
    Supports: Worldwide distribution, physical description, and S-shaped neck posture in flight.