Listen to the Great Blue Heron . The great blue heron is the largest heron in North America. It stands about three to four feet tall and it has a wingspan of almost six feet. It has blue-gray feathers on most of its body, a plume of feathers on its chest and back, a yellow bill and long legs. The great blue heron usually tucks its head into an S-shape when it is resting and flying.
Adults have white on the top of their heads and long black plumes above their eyes.
There is also an all white version of the great blue heron, the great white heron, that is found in southern Florida. It has yellow legs, a yellow bill and white feathers. The great blue heron breeds from southern Canada south to the West Indies and Mexico. It winters as far north as southern Alaska and southern New England. It can also be found in the Galapagos Islands.