Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large wading bird native to North and Central America: The great blue heron is a species of heron characterized by its significant size, long legs, long neck, and a dagger-like bill. Its plumage is primarily a bluish-grey color.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We spotted a great blue heron standing motionless in the shallow water, waiting to catch a fish.
  • The great blue heron is a common sight in wetlands along the coast.

Advanced Usage

• As a subject of conservation or study: The term is used in biological and ecological contexts.
  • The population dynamics of the great blue heron are monitored by local wildlife agencies.

Variants and Related Words

• Heron (n): The general family of long-legged freshwater and coastal birds to which the great blue heron belongs.
• Ardea herodias (n): The scientific binomial name for the great blue heron.

Synonyms

• Blue heron: A common shortened name for the species.
• North American heron: A descriptive term indicating its primary habitat.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "great blue heron" refers specifically to the single species . It is not a general term for any large blue-grey heron. Other large herons in different parts of the world, such as the grey heron () in Europe and Asia, are distinct species.

Noun

1. large American heron having bluish-grey plumage