Length: 38 inches Wingspan: 70 inches Sexes similar Huge long-legged long-necked wader Usually holds neck in an "S" curve at rest and in flight Long, thick, yellow bill Adult: White crown and face Black plume extending from above and behind eye to beyond back of head Brownish-buff neck with black-bordered white stripe down center of foreneck Blue-gray back, wings and belly Black shoulder Shaggy neck and back plumes in alternate plumage Immature: Black cap Brownish-gray back and upperwings Lacks shaggy neck and back plumes Lacks black plume extending |
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| GREAT BLUE HERON Ardea herodias |
| NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE W. BOWLES, SR. |
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| PAGE DESIGNED BY MARY ALICE BOWLES |
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