This large wading bird has a length of 91-140cm and a wingspan of 167-201cm. It is common near the shores of open water and in wetlands of North and Central America, the West Indies and the Galapagos Islands. It is a rare vagrant to Europe.
Ardea herodias likes to eat small fish, with shrimps, rodents, small birds and reptiles also on the menu. These birds locate their food by sight and usually swallow it whole. They have been known to choke on prey that is too large.
The Great Blue Heron's gait is almost a straight line with each stride close to 22cm. It uses its long legs to wade through shallow water, and spears fish or frogs with its long, sharp bill.
This species usually breeds in colonies, in trees close to lakes or other wetlands. Often such colonies include only Great Blue Herons, sometimes they nest alongside other species of herons. These groups are called heronry, having on average 160 nests.
The call of the Great Blue Heron is a harsh croak.
[All text: Ref (31)]
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