The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North and Central America, as well as far northwestern South America, the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands.

Whether poised at a river bend or cruising the coastline with slow, deep wingbeats, the Great Blue Heron is a majestic sight. This stately heron with its subtle blue-gray plumage often stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades belly deep with long, deliberate steps.

The largest species of heron is the goliath heron, which stands up to 152 cm (60 in) tall. All herons can retract their necks by folding them into a tight S-shape, due to the modified shape of the cervical vertebrae, of which they have 20 or 21; the neck is retracted during flight, unlike most other long-necked birds.

Widespread and familiar (though often called 'crane'), the largest heron in North America. Often seen standing silently along inland rivers or lakeshores, or flying high overhead, with slow wingbeats, its head hunched back onto its shoulders.

Oct 17, 2024 · The great blue heron is the largest heron species in North America, standing about 4 feet tall. But even though they are large birds, they don’t weigh much (only 5 to 6 pounds), thanks to their light, hollow bones (a trait most birds have).

Apr 4, 2025 · Great blue heron, well-known species of North American heron recognized for its blue-gray plumage and graceful, stately demeanor, its large size, and its wide wingspan. The species is the largest heron on the continent, and it occurs from Alaska, Canada, and the continental U.S. to Mexico, Central America, the islands of the Caribbean Sea, and ...

Large, common, and widespread, the Great Blue Heron is perhaps the most familiar wading bird in North America. You might find it foraging near Green Herons and Red-winged Blackbirds in a wetland; or with Sanderlings and Great Egrets on a seashore; or …

Poised to strike, this large heron stalks along American waterways in search of fish and other small animals. These widespread waterbirds are among the tallest of North America’s birds. Visual Identification. The Great Blue Heron is a stately wading bird with predominantly blue-gray plumage, long legs, and an S-shaped neck.

The familiar Great Blue Heron is an overall blue-gray bird, but there is an all white form found on the coast of southern Florida, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Caribbean known as the “great white heron.”

Mar 7, 2023 · The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North America. They have daggerlike bills, long legs, and curved necks. They generally appear shaggy overall in appearance. In this habitat, you’ll more than likely see these birds standing entirely still, tracking the movements of …