Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is a large and elegant wading bird native to North and Central America. It is a master hunter, and its long, slender legs and neck allow it to stand motionless in the water, waiting for unsuspecting fish to come close.
The Great Blue Heron is a vital part of its ecosystem, as its presence helps to control the populations of its prey.
Great Blue Heron
Classification
Aves > Pelecaniformes > Ardeidae > Ardea > A. herodias
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
3 - 4.5 feet
(0.9 - 1.4 m)
Average Weight
5 - 6 lbs
(2.3 - 2.7 kg)
Average Life Span
15 - 24 years
Gestation Period
25 - 28 days
Did You Know?
The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North America, standing up to 4.5 feet tall with a wingspan of up to 6.5 feet!
They are expert hunters, often seen standing perfectly still in shallow water, waiting for fish or frogs to come within striking distance.
Despite their large size, Great Blue Herons weigh only 5 to 6 pounds, thanks to their hollow bones.
They can swallow large prey whole, including fish that are quite big.
Great Blue Herons build large stick nests in trees, often in colonies called "rookeries."
Their distinctive "squawk" call is often heard as they take flight.
They are found near water in many different habitats, from swamps and marshes to coastlines.
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