Great Blue Heron in flight
by Flees Photos
Title
Great Blue Heron in flight
Artist
Flees Photos
Medium
Photograph - Home Decor And Giclee Wall Art By Chris Flees
Description
in This image a great blue heron flies overhead at dusk in Charlotte NC.
The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is a majestic and large wading bird that belongs to the heron family Ardeidae. It is one of the most recognizable and widespread heron species in North America. Here are some interesting facts about the Great Blue Heron:
Appearance: The Great Blue Heron is a tall bird with a distinctive blue-gray plumage. It has a long, S-shaped neck, a sharp pointed bill, and long legs. During the breeding season, they grow beautiful plumes on their back and chest.
Size: Great Blue Herons are one of the largest heron species in North America. They typically stand around 3 to 4.5 feet tall (91 to 137 cm) and have a wingspan of 5.5 to 6.5 feet (167 to 201 cm).
Range: Great Blue Herons are found throughout North America, from Canada to parts of Mexico and Central America. They are highly adaptable birds and can inhabit various wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
Diet: Great Blue Herons are opportunistic carnivores and primarily feed on fish. They wade slowly through the water, using their sharp beak to catch fish, amphibians, crustaceans, insects, and even small mammals.
Solitary hunters: While they may nest in colonies, Great Blue Herons are solitary hunters. They typically forage alone, patiently waiting for their prey to come within striking distance.
Breeding behavior: During the breeding season, Great Blue Herons engage in courtship displays, which include aerial displays and loud calls. They build large nests made of sticks in trees near water bodies, sometimes up to 100 feet (30 meters) off the ground.
Parental care: Both male and female Great Blue Herons participate in raising their young. They take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks with regurgitated food until they are old enough to forage on their own.
Vocalizations: Great Blue Herons are generally silent birds, but they can emit loud squawks and croaking sounds during their breeding displays or when disturbed.
Longevity: In the wild, Great Blue Herons can live for over 15 years, although some individuals have been known to live even longer in captivity.
Conservation status: Great Blue Herons are not considered endangered and have healthy populations across their range. However, they can face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and disturbances to their nesting sites.
Great Blue Herons are magnificent birds, often seen wading gracefully in wetlands or flying overhead with their slow wingbeats. They play an important role in aquatic ecosystems by controlling fish populations and serving as indicators of wetland health. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect their habitats and ensure their continued presence in North America's natural landscapes.
Uploaded
May 28th, 2014
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