It is the largest heron in North America. Its body is blue-gray and its head is white with black plumes projecting to the rear. It has a yellow bill. The tracks are six to eight inches long. They show three toes facing forward and one back.
Herons live in fresh or salt water, wherever fish are plentiful.
They are found in wetland areas, so you will see them along the banks of rivers or in marshes. They eat fish, snakes, insects, mice, and frogs. They hunt by walking slowly through shallow water and striking at prey. They use the long, dagger-like bill to spear fish. You may see them standing motionless in the water with the head and neck folded back, waiting for prey.