great blue heron

noun

: a large slaty-blue American heron (Ardea herodias) that has a dark crown, showy plumes on the head and neck, is about 46 inches (117 centimeters) long, and includes a white morph see great white heron

Examples of great blue heron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rescuers approached a great blue heron in a marshy section of Lake Louise in Brandon Township via boats the night of June 15, video from the sheriff’s office shows. —Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025

Galiano is a major flight path for migratory birds including eagles, great blue herons, owls and hummingbirds. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2025

The couple drank champagne left over from their wedding engagement and got to see a great blue heron, a couple of ducks and an osprey. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 11 May 2025

Hikers there can spot wading birds like great blue herons and American avocets, find shells on the riverbanks, and wander the thick cottonwood galleries on their shores. —Adam Roy, Outside Online, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for great blue heron

• lactoferrin
• acheron
• operon
• percheron
• polaron
• burin
• charon
• herren
• karen
• marron
• perron
• terran

Kids Definition

great blue heron

noun

: a large grayish blue American heron with a crest of dark feathers on its head