Great Blue Heron
Image: Dale MacLean (cc-by-nc)
NameGreat Blue Heron
Common NameGreat Blue Heron
Scientific NameArdea herodias
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)183
Length (cm)117
Weight (g)2270
Plumage DetailsPredominantly blue-grey body plumage, with a white head, a broad black stripe extending from above the eye to the back of the head, and long, wispy plumes on the lower neck and back. The bill is yellowish, and legs are dark.
Vocalization / CallA deep, guttural 'fraaaank' or 'kraak' call, often given when disturbed or in flight.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers, coastlines, ponds
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North and Central America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands. Migratory in northern parts of its range, moving south for winter.
Identifying Featureslarge size, blue-grey plumage, long neck and legs, yellowish dagger-like bill, white head with black stripe, slow, deliberate flight with S-curved neck
Description
A large, stately wading bird with a long neck and legs, typically found standing motionless in shallow water. It hunts fish and other aquatic prey with a quick, powerful strike of its sharp bill.
