NECK POSITION IN FLIGHT

A good rule of thumb for large, long-necked, long-egged birds is that herons fold their necks up in flight and the rest extend their necks. So, Cranes, flamingos, storks, ibises and the Spoonbill all fly with the neck and head extended in front in a straight line. Herons, egrets and bitterns fold the neck up. There are times when herons fly without folding the neck fully, but this is only for short periods and they soon revert to the tucked-in position.