The family Ardeidae, within the order Pelecaniformes, includes herons, egrets, and bitterns—medium to large wading birds found in wetlands worldwide. They are distinguished by their long legs, slender necks, and sharp, pointed bills adapted for spearing fish, amphibians, and other aquatic prey. Most species hunt by standing motionless or stalking slowly in shallow water before striking with lightning-fast precision. Ardeids typically nest colonially in trees or reed beds, often near water, and many species display striking breeding plumage during courtship. Their graceful flight, patient hunting techniques, and ecological role as top wetland predators make them a prominent and important bird family in aquatic ecosystems.