Field Guide to Westford

Great Blue Heron 

 

Andrea herodias

Physical Description:

The great blue heron is a large wading bird with a wingspan of almost 6 feet. Contrary to the name, this bird is typically gray in color with a pale or yellow bill. In flight, the heron can be identified by its folded neck and long, greenish yellowlegs tucked underneath its body

Habitat:

Rivers, brooks, lakes, ponds, and marshes.

Voice:

This bird is seen far more often than it is heard. Its rare vocalization is a harsh squawk

 

For more information we suggest visiting: 

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Blue_Heron/id