Great Blue Heron [Ardea herodias]
Description
The Great Blue Heron is the largest species of heron in North America. It is a large bird with a slate-gray body, chestnut and black accents, and very long legs and neck. In flight, it folds its neck into an 'S' shape and trails its long legs behind. They inhabit both fresh and saltwater habitats, and eat nearly anything within striking distance.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Birds
Aves
|
| Order |
Pelicans and Relatives
Pelecaniformes
|
| Family |
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns
Ardeidae
|
| Genus |
True Herons
Ardea
|