Great Blue Herons are large wading birds that inhabit North, Central, and South America, the West Indies, and Galapagos Islands. Sometimes, though rarely, they will show up in various areas of Europe as well. The Great Blue Heron always lives close to bodies of water. They may inhabit fresh and salt water marshes, and shorelines of lakes, rivers, oceans and streams.  The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North America and can grow 3 – 4.5 ft in height. Its wingspan can grow to over 6 ft wide. Its coloring is a light blue gray, with red-brown thighs; the neck is rusty gray with black streaking up the front. Its head is lighter with a white face and black plumes running from above the eyes to the back of the head. Its bill is grayish – yellow in color.

Exhibit: Cypress Creek Aviary