Great Blue Heron

A deep, rough-edged yawk or crawk, throaty enough to sound as though it came from a much larger animal.

Year-round resident in much of the United States, though individuals from colder regions migrate south for winter. Breeds throughout North America except the very coldest regions, and winters as far south as Central America and the Caribbean.

Found near almost any kind of water. Common in freshwater and saltwater marshes, swamps, lake edges, rivers, and mudflats. Also forages in wet meadows, along irrigation ditches, and occasionally in upland fields for rodents.

Breeding season (spring) finds these herons gathering in colonies (heronries) high in trees to nest. By summer, adults and fledglings disperse to feeding areas. In fall, northern populations migrate to warmer areas. In winter, herons remain where waters remain ice-free, feeding by day and roosting at night. They are primarily crepuscular or diurnal feeders but can hunt at night thanks to good night vision.

The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North America, standing about four feet tall. It has slate-gray feathers, a wide black stripe over the eye with black head plumes, and a long orangey-yellow dagger-like bill. Often it stands motionless in shallow water, patiently waiting to spear fish or frogs. In flight, it folds its neck into an S-shape and trails its long legs behind. Adaptable and widespread, it thrives in marshes, shorelines, riverbanks, and even suburban ponds.