How to Identify North American Herons

North American herons include several species, such as the Great Blue, Little Blue, Tricolored, Black-Crowned Night, Yellow-Crowned Night and Green. Some North American herons are large birds with conspicuous long legs that help them wade in the water to catch frogs, fish, snakes and small mammals. Others have bulkier statures that relegate them to the shallows. Here's how to identify herons.

Instructions

    • 1

      Estimate the size of the North American herons. The numerous Great Blue Herons grow nearly 4 feet tall. The other herons average 2 feet in height, and the Green Heron stays the smallest at 18 inches.

    • 2

      Observe the plumage. The larger dark herons have grayish feathers, sometimes with rust accents. The small herons can have white bellies or mottled gray or brown feathers.

    • 3

      Look for the extendable neck. At rest or in flight, the large herons keep their slender necks coiled. Smaller herons appear stockier, although their necks extend when they strike at prey.

    • 4

      Take note of the nesting habits of the North American herons. Although it seems incongruous to see these large birds roosting in trees, they build platform nests to keep their young safe from predators. Look for nests in treetops near rivers or streams.

    • 5

      Consider the beak of North American herons. The slender, sharp beak enables the heron to spear its aquatic prey.

    • 6

      Watch the feeding habits of North American herons. Some engage in freeze hunting, where they stand still and strike when prey nears. Others wade silently while the crafty Green Heron can lure fish by placing an insect on the water's surface.

    • 7

      Listen for a harsh, bark-like call. North American herons are usually silent but emit a raspy or explosive noise when startled.