What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ibis
Example
The ibis waded through the shallow water in search of food. [ibis: noun]
Example
We saw a flock of ibises flying overhead in their distinctive V-formation. [ibises: plural noun]
heron
Example
The heron stood motionless in the water, waiting for its prey. [heron: noun]
Example
We spotted a heron perched on a tree branch overlooking the river. [heron: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heron is more commonly used than ibis in everyday language. Heron is a more familiar bird to most people and is often featured in literature, art, and mythology. Ibis is less common and may be unfamiliar to some ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ibis and heron?
Both ibis and heron are relatively formal words that are more likely to be used in scientific or academic contexts than in everyday conversation.
