Herons and cranes are known to be big birds. Some people think that they look the same, but they have some obvious differences that will make one easier to distinguish over the other. The way that they fly may be a bit different. The heron will have its neck bent, and its head will be tucked in, so it may sometimes appear like it does not have a lot of necks. The legs of the heron are also very long, and it would seem like its legs are trailing behind it. The crane, on the other hand, will have a neck that seems outstretched. So basically, you will know the difference through the way that they keep their necks whenever they fly. The legs of the crane will also be outstretched.