Great Blue Heron

Heron Species Types of Birds Heron Pictures

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias), one of the most easily recognized herons, are also relatively common residents of water habitats across the United States.

The ardea genus, also called the great herons, consists of the largest members of the Ardeidae family. Great Blue Herons along with Great Egrets are the two United States genus representative.

The name great herons is appropriate because the birds stand between three and four feet tall, with a wing span that approaches six feet.

Great Blue Herons are social birds that live together in rookeries, with their nest often built high in the trees.

Many Great Blue Herons live in or around residential areas and are comfortable around human activity. Although they tend to squawk when disturbed, in many cases, you can get close for a picture.

© 2004. Patricia A. Michaels