The Red Heron is an elegant, large bird, easily recognizable by its plumage, which features a combination of reddish, gray, and black colors. Adult birds have a long, slender neck, which often takes on a distinctive “S” shape. The species prefers wetlands and marshes, where it feeds mainly on fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. During the breeding season, which runs from spring to early summer, it builds nests out of reeds and twigs near the water.