Skip to main content
Close

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

Photo by RickBohler
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

30.2539, -81.5211

Field Notes

Description:

The great blue heron is the largest and most common of the North American herons. It is often seen standing at the edge of a tidal pond watching for small fish, its favorite prey. It also feeds on small mammals, reptiles, and occasionally, birds.

This heron gets its name from its bluish-grey feathers and regal size. It has a huge wingspan of nearly 6 feet. When in flight, its neck folds into an S-shape, and you may hear it makes its call - a hoarse, gutteral squawk.

Notes:

During the mating season, two feathers on the bird's head become long and thread-like. The great blue heron's eggs are generally light blue in color.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment

Sign in to comment
Photographed
PublishedJanuary 29, 2012

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon