Herons and egrets feed by stealth, by standing still for long periods in shallow water, or walking slowly, moving only their heads or eyes. They will wait until something they want, fish, crabs, or other fresh-water inhabitants, and when something swims too close, their heads and bill move like lightning, snatching their hapless prey from the water. They will then often toss the fish in the air, flipping it until they can swallow it headfirst, then down it goes.

The Great Blue Heron is the largest wading bird in North America, often standing 52" high. The Great Egret is slightly smaller, standing about 40-45" high.