The Ardeidae Family of birds consists of Herons, Egrets and Bitterns. Herons are a medium to large freshwater and coastal wading birds with long necks and legs. Egrets are mostly white and slightly smaller in stature and Bitterns are the shorter necked, more secretive birds of this family. Although similar to storks and ibises, Herons fly with their necks retracted. Herons are also one of the birds that possess a powder down type of feather which helps prevent heat loss and increases buoyancy in waterbirds.