Great Blue Heron

Species Details

Widespread and common, the largest wading bird in North America. Stalking in shallow water and striking with its long bill, it eats mostly fish, but also frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, insects, rodents, and birds. Breeds colonially in isolated stands of trees and shrubs, sometimes with other wading birds. The large stick nests may be seen in winter on islands in nearby J. Percy Priest and Old Hickory Lakes. Often calls in flight with a deep, hoarse croaking.