Large wading bird native to North and Central America, characterized by its distinctive blue-gray plumage and long legs
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Wetlands, marshes, coastal regions, riverbanks, lake shores, and estuaries across diverse geographic landscapes in North America
Ecological Role
Top predator in aquatic ecosystems, controlling fish and amphibian populations; indicator species for environmental health of wetland habitats
Morphology
-
SKIN COAT
Blue-gray plumage, white head with black crown stripe, black and white striped neck feathers
-
LIMBS WINGS
Long legs for wading, powerful flight muscles, broad wings for efficient gliding and hunting
-
HEAD SENSORY
Sharp binocular vision, elongated neck with precise head rotation, specialized visual hunting capabilities
-
BODY STRUCTURE
Height: 0.91-1.37 m, wingspan: 1.67-2.05 m, weight: 2.1-3.6 kg, long neck, dagger-like bill, slender body
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: PhotoBobil
ADSENSE VERTICAL
Related Species in Ardeidae