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==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| − | The great blue heron is the largest heron in North America. It stands three to four feet tall and has a wingspan of almost six feet. It has blue-gray feathers on most of its body and a plume of feathers on its chest and back. It has a long, pointed yellow bill and long legs. Adults have white on the top of their heads and long black plumes above their eyes. 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. | + | The great blue heron is the largest heron in [[North America]]. It stands three to four feet tall and has a wingspan of almost six feet. It has blue-gray feathers on most of its body and a plume of feathers on its chest and back. It has a long, pointed yellow bill and long legs. Adults have white on the top of their heads and long black plumes above their eyes. 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. |
==Distribution== | ==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. | + | 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]]. |
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
Kingdom: Animalia | Kingdom: Animalia | ||
Revision as of 14:29, 7 December 2007
- Ardea herodias
Identification
The great blue heron is the largest heron in North America. It stands three to four feet tall and has a wingspan of almost six feet. It has blue-gray feathers on most of its body and a plume of feathers on its chest and back. It has a long, pointed yellow bill and long legs. Adults have white on the top of their heads and long black plumes above their eyes. 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.
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.
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae Genus: Ardea Species: A. herodias
Habitat
Margins of lakes and slow-flowing rivers, swamps and marshes, frequently on sea-coasts, in estuaries and mangroves.
Behaviour
The great blue heron migrates in the fall, although some stay in the northern part of their range. The great blue heron usually tucks its head into an S-shape when it is resting and flying.
