Heron vs. Hern — Which is Correct Spelling?

The herons are long-legged, long-necked, freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae, with 64 recognised species, some of which are referred to as egrets or bitterns rather than herons. Members of the genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus are referred to as bitterns, and, together with the zigzag heron, or zigzag bittern, in the monotypic genus Zebrilus, form a monophyletic group within the Ardeidae.

A large fish-eating wading bird with long legs, a long S-shaped neck, and a long pointed bill.

Any of various wading birds of the family Ardeidae, having a long neck, long legs, a long pointed bill, and usually white, gray, or bluish-gray plumage.

A long-legged, long-necked wading bird of the family Ardeidae.

Any wading bird of the genus Ardea and allied genera, of the family Ardeidæ. The herons have a long, sharp bill, and long legs and toes, with the claw of the middle toe toothed. The common European heron (Ardea cinerea) is remarkable for its directly ascending flight, and was formerly hunted with the larger falcons.

Greek mathematician and inventor who devised a way to determine the area of a triangle and who described various mechanical devices (first century)

Gray or white wading bird with long neck and long legs and (usually) long bill