Heron

| image = Ardeidae-01.jpg | image_caption = | taxon = Ardeidae | authority = Leach, 1820 | range_map = Heron range.png | range_map_caption = Global distribution of herons | type_genus = ''Ardea'' | type_genus_authority = Linnaeus, 1758 | subdivision_ranks = Genera | subdivision = 18 extant, see text | synonyms = Cochlearidae }}

Herons are long-legged, long-necked, freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae, with 72 recognised species, some of which are referred to as egrets or bitterns rather than herons. Members of the genera ''Botaurus'' and ''Ixobrychus'' are referred to as bitterns, and, together with the zigzag heron, or zigzag bittern, in the monotypic genus ''Zebrilus'', form a monophyletic group within the Ardeidae. Egrets do not form a biologically distinct group from herons, and tend to be named differently because they are mainly white or have decorative plumes in breeding plumage. Herons, by evolutionary adaptation, have long beaks.

The classification of the individual heron/egret species is fraught with difficulty, and no clear consensus exists about the correct placement of many species into either of the two major genera, ''Ardea'' and ''Egretta''. Similarly, the relationships of the genera in the family are not completely resolved. However, one species formerly considered to constitute a separate monotypic family, the Cochlearidae or the boat-billed heron, is now regarded as a member of the Ardeidae.

Although herons resemble birds in some other families, such as the storks, ibises, spoonbills, and cranes, they differ from these in flying with their necks retracted, not outstretched. They are also one of the bird groups that have powder down. Some members of this group nest colonially in trees, while others, notably the bitterns, use reed beds. A group of herons has been called a "siege". Provided by Wikipedia

2
by Heron, Robert
Published 1793
Printed by R. Morison Jr. for R. Morison and Son

5
by Heron, Robert
Published 1794
printed for R. Morrison and Son, Perth; G. Mudie, and Manners and Miller, Edinburgh; Ja. Gillies, and Brash and Reid, Glasgow; J. Burnet, Aberdeen; and the other booksellers in town and country; and for Vernor and Hood, Birchin-Lane, London

6
by Heron, David
Published 1913
Dulau

11
by Heron, Robert
Published 1797
printed by John Moir, Paterson's Court, for T. Brown, Bookseller, NO. I. North Bridge, and sold by Mudie and Murray, London; London; Brash and Reid, and Cameron and Murdoch, Glasgow; T. Hill, Perth; and A. Brown, Aberdeen

14
by Heron, Robert
Published 1793
printed by R. Morison junior. For R. Morison and son; Bell and Bradfute, Edinburgh; and Vernor and Hood, London

15
by Heron, Mary
Published 1786
printed for the author; sold by T. Saint

17
by Heron, Mary
Published 1786
printed for the author; sold by T. Saint

18
by Heron, Robert
Published 1797
printed for T. Brown, North Bridge Street

20
by Heron, Robert
Published 1799
printed by John Moir, Paterson's Court. For T. Brown, No. I. North Bridge, and Vernor & Hood, London