Great Blue Heron
NameGreat Blue Heron
Common NameGreat Blue Heron
Scientific NameArdea herodias
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)183
Length (cm)117
Weight (g)2300
Plumage DetailsAdult Great Blue Herons have a predominantly slate-blue to gray body plumage. Their head is white with a distinctive black stripe extending from the eye to the back of the head, forming a short crest. The neck is often pale gray or brownish with streaking on the front, and the legs are typically dull greenish-gray to reddish-brown. The bill is yellowish.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a harsh, guttural 'fraaaank' call, often given when disturbed or in flight. They also produce various croaks and squawks, especially around nesting colonies.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, swamps, coastlines, lakes, rivers, ponds, estuaries
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North and Central America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands. They breed in temperate North America and migrate to Central America and the Caribbean for winter, though many populations are resident year-round.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Long S-curved neck, Long legs, Dagger-like bill, Blue-gray body plumage, White head with black 'eyebrow' stripe and crest, Slow, deliberate flight with neck tucked in an S-shape
Description
The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird characterized by its long legs, S-curved neck, and dagger-like bill. It is often seen standing motionless in shallow water, patiently waiting to ambush fish and other aquatic prey.
