Watercolor portrait of Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias
Year-round resident in much of the Unite… Found near almost any kind of water Courtship Calls

Learn to identify the Great Blue Heron by ear. Master the "low hoot & bill snap" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“low hoot & bill snap”

What the Great Blue Heron sounds like

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.

“low hoot & bill snap”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Great Blue Herons do not have a true song. Around the nest they may give low guttural croaks, moans, or a soft series of hooting sounds, often accompanied by bill clacking during courtship displays. Often written as “low hoot & bill snap”.
Don't confuse with:The Great Egret — entirely white plumage, with a yellow bill and black legs. great egret is slightly smaller and more slender, without the great blue’s streaked neck or head plumes.

Lessons featuring the Great Blue Heron

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Great Blue Heron's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Waterline Radio lesson habitat
Waterline Radio
Tier 8 · Edges & Echoes
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Where you'll hear it

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.

Similar species

Great Egret

Entirely white plumage, with a yellow bill and black legs. Great Egret is slightly smaller and more slender, without the Great Blue’s streaked neck or head plumes.

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Cranes are also tall gray birds but are not herons. Cranes fly with neck fully extended (not tucked) and have a red forehead patch and no bill plumes.

Great Blue Heron sound FAQ

What does a Great Blue Heron sound like?
Great Blue Herons do not have a true song. Around the nest they may give low guttural croaks, moans, or a soft series of hooting sounds, often accompanied by bill clacking during courtship displays. Listen for the "low hoot & bill snap" phrase.
How do I tell a Great Blue Heron from a Great Egret by sound?
Great Egret: Entirely white plumage, with a yellow bill and black legs. Great Egret is slightly smaller and more slender, without the Great Blue’s streaked neck or head plumes.; In flight, Great Egrets tuck their neck similarly, but their overall white color and lighter build distinguish them. Great Egrets also lack the deep, croaking call of a Great Blue Heron..
When is the best time to hear a Great Blue Heron?
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.