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Pagan Kids Coloring Pages
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The Great Blue Heron is the largest and most widespread heron in North America. It is a large bird, with
a slate-gray body, chestnut and black accents, and very long legs and neck. Great Blue Herons are very
tall and stand 3 to 4.5 feet high. In flight, the bird looks huge, with a six-foot wingspan. Using the
diagram below, color and label your own Great Blue Heron!
Great Blue Herons can be found in Canada, the United States, Central and South America. These birds
migrate and may spend different seasons in different regions. During the spring and summer, they breed
throughout North and Central America, the Caribbean, southern Canada and the Galapagos Islands.
Some populations migrate to Central and South America during the winter months, but do not breed
there. Great Blue Herons always live near sources of water, including rivers, lake edges, marshes,
saltwater seacoasts, and swamps. They require tall trees near water to nest in, and often nest in groups
or "rookeries" which require a stand of suitable trees. They have been found breeding at elevations of
up to 1,500 m. Most tend to avoid marine habitats along the east coast and instead live inland. The
oldest wild Great Blue Heron was said to be 23 years old, but most do not live so long. The average
lifespan for a Great Blue Heron is around 15 years. As with most animals, they are most vulnerable when
they are young. More than half of the great blue herons born in one year will die before they are a year
old.
Did you know?
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They are not endangered: Human interference with the heron primarily involves destruction of
habitat. Many herons are also killed each year due to collisions with utility wires. As a migratory
species, great blue herons are protected by the United States Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Great Blue Herons look enormous in flight, with a six-foot wingspan.
Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for 4 weeks.
In flight, a Great Blue Heron usually holds its head close to its body with the neck bent.
The young can first fly at about 60 days old.
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