Great Blue Heron: The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large wading bird, standing up to 4 feet tall with a wingspan of nearly 6 feet. It has a slate-gray body, a white crown, and a thick, yellow bill. Great blue herons are found near shallow waters such as marshes, ponds, and coastal areas, where they hunt for fish, amphibians, and other small aquatic creatures by wading patiently and striking with their long necks and sharp bills.