The neck is gray, with a central line of black spots down the front edge. The bill is dull yellowish and the legs and feet are blackish. The bird's mate and nest in large groups known as heronries. In fact, there is a well-established heronry just outside of downtown Redmond. Two to six pale blue eggs are laid in a clutch, and hatching time is in late May to early June.
Most herons feed on aquatic animal life, but some eat insects and even mice.
The great blue heron is very clever when it comes to getting food. Its food supply consists of fish and frogs. The great blue heron has some camouflage. Its grey-blue body and streaked white neck blend with its surroundings. If it stands quietly at the edge of the shore it may be very hard to see, which is how the great blue heron fools its enemies.