This is the largest (46-52 inches long- 77-82 inch wingspan), most widespread heron in North America.

In South Florida, there are a limited number of paler white-headed forms of this bird that, for awhile, was considered a separate species and was named Wurdemann's Heron.
There is also an all white morph, with light yellowish legs, also formerly thought to be a separate species and called the Great White Heron.

In flight, the long neck is folded back into an S-shape and the long legs train far out behind the short tail.

Herons can be seen standing almost pefectly still in the water for amazingly long periods of time watching for fish and small animals.