Ardea herodias
Copyright, H. Vannoy Davis, California Academy of Sciences
The Great Blue Heron is a
large water bird which can grow up to four feet tall, with a
wingspan of nearly six feet as an adult. This bird has a
large yellow bill,
a white face and crown,
and a long black plume hanging down. The rest of the bird is
bluish-gray. The Great Blue Heron
flies with its neck folded and gives a loud, hoarse squawk
when alarmed. These birds are common in
the Northern Virginia area. Wild Things
Photography
Copyright, John White, California Academy of Sciences
2m1.jpg)
Mark Moran
Copyright, Lee
Snipes The Great Blue Heron
usually nests high up in trees, though they sometimes will
nest on the ground. The nest is built mostly of sticks and
then lined with softer materials. They lay three to five
pale greenish-blue eggs. Great Blue Herons eat
fish, frogs, small mammals,
reptiles,
crayfish, large insects, and ocassionally other birds. They
can be seen patrolling along the shores of rivers, ponds,
and lakes. These birds will strike downward with great
quickness when attacking prey. Their long legs allow
them to wade in the water, and their widespread ,narrow toes
keep them from sinking into mud.
Greg Gough
Copyright, Gerald and
Buff Corsi Copyright, Gerald and
Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences
Copyright, H. Vannoy Davis, California Academy of Sciences