Great Blue Herons

1. Where they live: Great blue herons can be found in almost every state, as well as in Central America, the Caribbean and the Galapagos islands. 
 
2. How they eat: When eating a small fish, a great blue will flip it up and then swallow it head first. And what about larger prey? A great blue will often take it ashore and eat it there. Sometimes the prey can get stuck in a heron’s throat—not a pretty sight.  
 
3. Where they nest: Great blue herons nest mostly in trees—often in large colonies. When trees aren’t around, the herons may nest on the ground or in rushes or shrubs. 
 
4. What they say: A great blue heron croaks out a deep frawnk, frwank call when alarmed. To hear its creaky call, click below:

• Great Blue Heron and scroll down to "Songs and Calls." Then click on "Listen to Call," and hit the arrow.

5. How they help other birds: Canada geese, house sparrows, and great-horned owls often move into empty great blue heron nests.