Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
- Scientific Name: Ardea herodias
- Length: Up to 3.9-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
- Wingspan: Up to 6.5-7.5 feet (2.0-2.3 meters)
- Weight: 6-8 lbs (2.7-3.6 kg)
- Lifespan: Up to 25 years in the wild
- Diet: Primarily fish, but also amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and small mammals
- Habitat: Freshwater marshes, wetlands, coasts, and shallow waters
- Interesting Fact: Great blue herons are patient predators. They often stand perfectly still for long periods, waiting for prey to come close enough to be snatched with their long, sharp beaks.