rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryheronWading bird
noun

heron

HAIR-uhn/ˈherən/

A long-legged wading bird with a long neck and bill.

The heron stands on long legs at the marsh’s edge.

A gray heron in three-quarter side view at shallow marsh edge, long legs, long neck and pointed bill, natural bird anatomy.
Etymology
heronOld Frenchheron

Old French hairon already named this bird. Its deeper ancestry may involve an imitation of the bird's cry, but that proposed connection is uncertain.

In context

naturalistoutreach2:55
they hold their wings out in front of them creating a little patch of shade and then when a fish swims in thinking is a safe place to hide the Heron strikes and gets its meal
Beaks: Bird Feeding Adaptations (Short)

More examples

  • The heron lowered its long bill toward the water.
  • We watched the heron lift its broad wings.
  • Several herons nested near the marsh.

Forms

heron · herons

Similar words

egret
Egret names several herons, typically with white plumage; heron is the broader grouping.
crane
A crane is a different long-legged bird; herons usually fly with their necks drawn back.