The Family Ardeidae is a diverse group of wading birds, commonly known as herons, egrets, and bitterns. Within this family, there are several other synonyms that are commonly used. The subfamily Ardeinae is one term used to refer to the heron-like members of the family, while the subfamily Botaurinae is used for the more bittern-like species. The term "wading birds" can also be used to describe the Family Ardeidae, along with "waterbirds" or "marsh birds." These synonyms help to categorize and distinguish the various species within this family, which are found in a range of habitats across the world.