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  The great blue heron is
the most widespread and well-known of all the herons. No
other bluish-gray bird is as large as the great blue
heron, which is up to four feet tall. It is often seen
standing as motionless as a statue in the shallow water
of rivers, ponds, marshes, or wet meadows. The bird
generally feeds upon large fish, which it spears with its
sharp bill that can be thrust with enough force to
penetrate a wooden oar. Like many other herons, the great
blue herons live together in colonies and build stick
nests in trees. |
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 The great egret is part
of the heron family, which is loosely defined as a group
of long-legged wading birds with spear-like bills. Great
egrets stand about three feet tall and have snow white
feathers, an orange-yellow bill, and black legs. Unique,
elegant white plumes extend from their backs during the
mating season, and sometimes grow to be as long as four
feet. These birds will inhabit almost any type of shallow
wetland. They eat fish, frogs, salamanders, and snakes. A
great egret stalks its prey by slowly wading with its
bill poised and ready to strike. |
Return to Loess Hills Safari Menu
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