her·on / ˈherən/ • n. a large fish-eating wading bird (family Ardeidae) with long legs, a long S-shaped neck, and a long pointed bill. Its numerous species include the great blue heron (Ardea herodias).

heron poet. hern XIV. ME. he(i)roun, herne — OF. hairon (mod. héron) — Gmc. *χaiʒaran- (whence OHG. heigaro; cf. ON. hegri), dissimilated form of *χraiʒran- (cf. OE. hrāgra, MLG. rēger, MDu. reiger, OHG. reigaro, G. reiher), of imit. orig.
Hence heronry XVII.

heron Any of several species of wading bird that live near rivers. Herons have white, grey, or brown plumage, long neck and legs, and a sharp bill. They feed mainly on fish, and nest in large groups. Height: to 1.8m (6ft). Family Ardeidae.