They inhabit both freshwater and saltwater areas. In Pennsylvania, they're found on lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers, woods streams, bogs, marshes and swamps, where they typically stand at the water's edge or walk slowly through the shallows. They may also perch in trees near or over water. Herons are shy birds. When approached by humans, they usually takes off in slow flight, with head and neck drawn back in an S-shape and legs held straight to the rear.
Most herons are strong fliers, propelling themselves with deep, pumping wing strokes.
Certain adaptations help a heron wade about and catch prey in shallow water. The most obvious is its legs, which elevate the bird above the water's surface. The toes are long and flexible for walking or standing on soft ground. The bill is sharp-tipped, but it's used for grasping, not impaling. The long, muscular neck delivers a lightning-quick blow, with plenty of force to penetrate the water and seize a fish.