The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is USA's largest common wader. It is 36-40 inches long, 4 feet tall including the head and neck and has a wingspan of 6 feet. It flies with a slow, regular wing beat. It nests in colonies, but often it nests alone. Its call is a low-pitched croak.

The coloration is grey-blue with a black stripe extending above the eye. The breeding adult has a yellowish bill and ornate plumes on the head, neck and back.

The Great Blue is wary and powerful. It spears fish or catches them by using its bill like scissors. It also feeds on frogs, snakes, mice and birds. A Great Blue Heron may slowly stalk its prey or stand very still waiting for something to come within reach.

Though bulky, it can float like a goose and take off from the surface of the water. It nests in colonies, usually in tall trees or on a cliff near freshwater areas or salt marshes. The nest is built of sticks. There 3-4 bluish green to dull blue eggs (2.4 x 1.8 inches) are laid.

Ornithologists have recently concluded that the "Great White Heron," found in Florida, the West Indies, and Mexico is actually an all-white version of the Great Blue Heron, not a separate species.

Find some Great Blue Heron products at our sponsor's online gift shop. They have the Hansa Great Blue Heron plush bird, the Wildlife Artists Great Blue Heron and the Great Blue Heron Night Light from Ibis and Orchid. The Great Blue Heron is at our sponsor's online gift shop.

photo of Great Blue Heron courtesy Jeanne Jones