From Opus

Ardea herodias

Photo by stejon.

[edit] Identification

The largest heron in North America
Ht. 3-4 ft
W. 6ft

• Blue-gray feathers on most of its body
• Plume of feathers on its chest and back during breeding
• Long, pointed yellow bill
• Long legs
• Adults have white on the top of their heads and long black plumes above their eyes.

[edit] "Great White" Heron

There is also an all white version of the Great Blue Heron, the "Great White" Heron, that can be found in southern Florida. It has yellow legs, a yellow bill and white feathers.

Similar to Great Egret.

[edit] Distribution

It is found throughout most of North America, including Alaska, Quebec and Nova Scotia. The range extends south through Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean to South America. Very rare vagrant to the Azores and United Kingdom.

Migrates in the fall, although some stay in the northern part of their range.

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Habitat

Margins of lakes and slow-flowing rivers, swamps and marshes, frequently on sea-coasts, in estuaries and mangroves.

[edit] Behaviour

Usually tucks its head into an S-shape when it is resting and flying.

[edit] External Links