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Unnamed spotting

Description:

Crane-like

1 Species ID Suggestions

Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron


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7 Comments

MelissaPhillips
MelissaPhillips 10 years ago

Wow!

Ursula
Ursula 12 years ago

thx for the reply, Gordon. i thought of gray heron because i know them from where i come from and i know how they look like. and that one looks a lot like it, and i also know they're native to europe, that's why i was wondering if there's a chance it might be the one. what's the give away between Great Blue one and Grey one then, except for where they come from? :)

Gordon Dietzman
Gordon Dietzman 12 years ago

Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea) and Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) are closely related species. I've seen both of these birds during my travels and they are hard to tell apart at first glance. As a result, both of you ask good questions. The answer to both questions is that Grey Herons are not native to North America, but are found in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa while Great Blue Herons are native to the area in which these photos were taken. Both are fascinating birds with similar appearances and behaviors.

NicoleLook
NicoleLook 12 years ago

I thought Grey Herons were predominant in the UK and Europe. Are they in the US as well?

Ursula
Ursula 12 years ago

I guess it's really Great Blue Heron, but what about a Grey Heron?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Grey_He...

Liam
Liam 12 years ago

Agree with Great Blue Heron. This is a juvenile individual.

Gordon Dietzman
Gordon Dietzman 12 years ago

Sandhill Cranes and Blue Herons are often mistaken as they have similar characteristics of long bill, neck and legs. Sandhill Cranes are typically heavier and a more robust bird than Blue Herons.

JamieWilson
Spotted by
JamieWilson

Rolesville, North Carolina, USA

Spotted on Sep 19, 2011
Submitted on Sep 19, 2011

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