McDuffie Environmental Education Center
                
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Great Blue Heron

Size & Shape

Largest of the North American herons with long legs, a sinuous neck, and thick, daggerlike bill. Head, chest, and wing plumes give a shaggy appearance. In flight, the Great Blue Heron curls its neck into a tight “S” shape; its wings are broad and rounded and its legs trail well beyond the tail.

Color Pattern

Great Blue Herons appear blue-gray from a distance, with a wide black stripe over the eye. In flight, the upper side of the wing is two-toned: pale on the forewing and darker on the flight feathers. A pure white subspecies occurs in coastal southern Florida.

Behavior Hunting

 Great Blue Herons wade slowly or stand statue-like, stalking fish and other prey in shallow water or open fields. Watch for the lightning-fast thrust of the neck and head as they stab with their strong bills. Their very slow wingbeats, tucked-in neck and trailing legs create an unmistakable image in flight.

Habitat

Look for Great Blue Herons in saltwater and freshwater habitats, from open coasts, marshes, sloughs, riverbanks, and lakes to backyard goldfish ponds. They also forage in grasslands and agricultural fields. Breeding birds gather in colonies or “heronries” to build stick nests high off the ground.

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  • Home
  • Grade Level Programs
    • PreKindergarten
    • Kindergarten
    • First Grade
    • Second Grade
    • Third Grade
    • Fourth Grade
    • Fifth Grade
    • Sixth Grade
    • Seventh Grade
  • Scheduling a Visit
    • Teacher Registration Packet
    • MEEC Calendar
  • Kids Fishing Events
  • Fishing & Adventure Day Camps
  • Tips for a Good Visit
  • Contact us
  • Documents
  • Driving Directions to 4695 Fish Hatchery Rd., Dearing, GA 30808
    • To MEEC from Augusta, Georgia
    • To MEEC from Washington, Georgia
    • To MEEC from Lincolnton, Georgia
    • To MEEC from Evans, Georgia
    • To MEEC from Wrens, Georgia
    • To MEEC from Gibson, Georgia