Great Blue Heron

Ardea Herodias

Great blue herons are a very common bird species found in warm wetland areas of North America. There are many chances to see great blue herons in the Pacific Northwest. These stately birds can be seen fishing along the banks of many water ways and along the ocean coast, or flying in the air with their huge wings gracefully beating and their long necks held in their distinctive S shape.

Characteristics

The great blue heron is one of the largest herons in the world. The adult heron stands more than 1 meter (3 feet) high, has a wing span of about 2 meters (6.5 feet), and weighs about 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds). The heron’s body and wings are slate blue. Their legs are long and yellow. The adult’s head is white with a black stripe above each eye that extends down to the plumes at the back of the head. The juveniles have grey heads and lack the plumes which will grow on their necks later in life. The heron has a long, pointed yellow bill which it uses for fishing…

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