Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
Heron family (Ardeidae)
A large heron, stands 3 feet tall with a 6 foot wingspan. Grayish-blue body, white head, black stripe over eye. Usually stands motionless in shallow water and waits until prey comes within striking distance. In flight, wing beats are slow and steady.
Nesting:
Nests in colonies. Builds nests in tops of tallest trees. May travel as far as 10 miles from nest sites to foraging areas. Eggs are pale bluish-green. Clutch size – 2 to 6 eggs.
Voice:
Harsh guttural “frahnk”
Name Origin:
The genus name Ardea is from the Latin for “heron.” The species name herodias is from the Greek for “heron.”
In the Nature Park:
Year-round resident. Regularly seen at the Quarry Pond, but is not known to nest in the park.
Photos:
Great Blue Heron
