TaxonHub
Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

Large wading bird native to North and Central America, characterized by its distinctive blue-gray plumage and long legs

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Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
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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
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Related Species in Ardeidae