great blue heron bird Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/animal/great-blue-heron Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/animal/great-blue-heron Also known as: Ardea herodias Written by Fred Frommer Fred Frommer is a sports historian, author, and writer who has written for a host of national publications. Fred Frommer, John P. Rafferty John P. Rafferty writes about Earth processes and the environment. He serves currently as the editor of Earth and life sciences, covering climatology, geology, zoology, and other topics that relate to... John P. RaffertyAll Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Jul 11, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents great blue heron, (Ardea herodias), well-known species of large North American herons, classified in the bird family Ardeidae in order Pelecaniformes, recognized for its blue-gray plumage and graceful, stately demeanor, its large size, and its wide wingspan—which extends up to nearly 2 meters (6.6 feet) or more. The species is the largest heron on the continent, and it occurs from Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous U.S. south to the islands of the Caribbean Sea, and Mexico to northern Colombia and Venezuela where many migratory individuals overwinter. Most classifications divide great blue herons into four or five subspecies: A. herodias cognata ...(100 of 781 words)

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