Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias

Identification
This large wading bird has blue gray plumage and a long neck. It flies with slow wingbeats.

Location
Common statewide

Size
5 to 6 pounds

Diet
It feeds on fish amphibians and small animals.

Habitat
It occurs in wetlands and along rivers.

Activity Period
March to November

Behavior
It nests in colonies called rookeries. It migrates south in winter.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring.

Population
The population is stable statewide.

History
It has long been common in Ohio.

Human Interactions
It often forages near human activity.

Facts
It is the largest heron in North America.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Fish amphibians small animals | Wetlands rivers lakes | Statewide