2. Great Blue Heron • Ardea herodias • Largest wading bird and largest North American heron • Head-to-tail length of 36-55 in • Wingspan of 66-79 in • Weight of 4.5-8 lbs • Stride is around 9 in, almost in a straight line

3. Habitat • Fresh and saltwater marshes • Mangrove swamps • Flooded meadows • Lake edges • Shorelines near bodies of water, usually nesting in trees or bushes.

4. Distribution

5. Diet • Small fish • Shrimps, crabs, aquatic insects • Herons locate their food by sight and usually swallow it whole. Herons have been known to choke on prey that is too large. • Herons use their long legs to wade through shallow water, and spears fish or frogs with its long, sharp bill.

6. Breeding • Breeding groups are called heronry • The size of these colonies range between 5–500 nests per colony • Females lay three to six pale blue eggs • One brood is raised each year • Predators of eggs and nestlings include turkey vultures, hawks, bears and raccoons

8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDs7AUj-FIo