GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) 



The great blue heron is a large, long-necked, long-legged wading bird 

 with a spear-like bill which it uses to capture fish, frogs, snakes and other 

 prey. This species, which is often incorrectly referred to as a crane, is 

 solitary in its habits except during the breeding season. During the breed- 

 ing season herons form colonies, building bulky nests and raising scrawny- 

 looking, downy young. When perching or standing in a river or stream this 

 large, blue-gray heron has a somewhat hunched appearance. In flight the 

 neck is folded and the legs are held stiffly behind the body. Great blue 

 herons are fairly common breeding residents in both Yellowstone and 

 Grand Teton. 



Great Blue Heron 



C Allan Morgan 



18 



