Identification A large white heron with a long yellow bill, long dark legs and a very long neck. When breeding, the bill becomes grey-black and long filamentous plumes develop, mainly on the back. In flight, the white heron tucks its head back into its shoulders so that the length of its neck is hidden, giving it a hunched appearance.

Large, white bird with long, black legs. S-curved neck and a daggerlike yellow bill. Look for a greenish area between their eyes and the base of the bill. While they fly, their neck is tucked in, and their long legs trail behind.