Great Blue Heron

GREAT BLUE HERON Ardea herodias

The largest North American Heron. The Great Blue Heron has long legs, a curvy neck, and a sharp bill. Feathers are shaggy in appearance and appear blue-gray in color. In flight, the heron will curl its neck into an “S” shape. The Great Blue Heron uses its sharp beak to stab its prey in shallow waters.

The heron can be found in fresh and saltwater habitats ranging from open coasts to backyard ponds. The heron will eat anything it can catch including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.

FIELD NOTES: Great Blue Herons only way 5-6 pounds because of their hollow bones.