The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North America, standing nearly four feet tall with a six-foot wingspan. It hunts by wading slowly and stabbing fish, frogs, and even small mammals with its dagger-like bill. Despite its bulk, it flies with deep, slow wingbeats and its neck folded in an S-curve.
Best time to see a Great Blue Heron
The best time to see a Great Blue Heron is January–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 346,129 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Great Blue Heron? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Great Blue Heron sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Great Blue Heron? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Great Blue Heron is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.