FIELD GUIDE

The Great Blue Heron

Everything you ever wanted to know about Ardea herodias — compiled from Cornell Lab, Audubon, Birds of the World, and other public sources.

01OverviewMeet Ardea herodias — the essentials at a glance.02IdentificationSize, shape, plumage, and how to be sure it's a great blue.03Look-alikesHeron vs. egret vs. sandhill crane — telling them apart.04Taxonomy & SubspeciesThe great white heron and other regional forms.05HabitatWhere herons live, from tidal flats to dry fields.06Range & DistributionAcross North and Central America and beyond.07MigrationWho moves, who stays, and why.08Diet & HuntingThe statue, the strike, and everything on the menu.09BehaviorTerritory, solitude, and the night shift.10Breeding & RookeriesCourtship, colonies, and nest building.11Eggs & ChicksFrom pale-blue eggs to first flight.12Sounds & CallsThe famous frawnk and other heron noises.13Lifespan & PredatorsHow long they live and what threatens them.14AdaptationsPowder down, the pectinate claw, night vision.15Conservation StatusPopulation, trend, and protection.16ThreatsEagles, disturbance, habitat loss, contaminants.17Herons & PeopleThe plume trade, fish ponds, and the law.18Culture & SymbolismThe heron in story, art, and city seals.19Watching GuideHow to find and watch herons without disturbing them.20FAQ & Fun FactsQuick answers and things that surprise people.21ResourcesSources and where to learn more.