- Help to spear and hold slippery prey. The sharp, pointed tip of the heron's beak allows them to pierce through the water and into the body of the fish. The barbs on the sides of the beak help to hold onto the fish and prevent it from escaping.
- Help to reach deeper into the water. Herons can use their long beaks to reach into the water to spear fish. This is an advantage over other birds that have shorter beaks, as they can access a wider variety of prey.
- Act as a sensory organ. The beak is also used as a sensory organ, helping the heron to locate and identify potential prey. The beak is covered in nerve endings that can detect the slightest movement in the water, allowing the heron to pinpoint the location of a fish.