Great Blue Heron
Image: Joshua Jones (cc-by-nc)
NameGreat Blue Heron
Common NameGreat Blue Heron
Scientific NameArdea herodias
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)183
Length (cm)117
Weight (g)2300
Plumage DetailsThis heron has a predominantly blue-grey body, a white head with a distinctive black stripe extending from the eye to the back of the head, forming a plume. Its neck is often a paler grey, and it has rufous thighs and a yellowish bill. Legs are dark.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a harsh, guttural 'fraaaank' call, often given when disturbed or in flight. They also produce a variety of squawks and croaks, especially around nesting colonies.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, lakes, rivers, coastal areas, ponds
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout most of North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands. Northern populations migrate south for the winter, while southern populations are resident year-round.
Identifying Featureslarge size, blue-grey plumage, long S-curved neck, long legs, long, pointed yellow bill, white head with black cap/stripe
Description
The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird known for its stately presence in wetlands. It typically stands motionless or wades slowly in shallow water, patiently waiting to strike prey with its long, sharp bill.
