The term 'HERON's Kin' refers to three species of birds that are closely related to herons. The first is the IBIS, which is a wading bird with a long curved bill and a glossy white or black plumage. The second is the EGRET, which is a white wading bird with long legs and a long neck. The third is the Egrets, which is a collective term for any of several species of white herons. All three species are closely related to herons and share many of the same characteristics.