How to Identify North American Herons

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Estimate the size of the North American herons. The numerous Great Blue Herons grow nearly 4 feet tall. The other herons average 2 feet in height, and the Green Heron stays the smallest at 18 inches.
Step 2:
Observe the plumage. The larger dark herons have grayish feathers, sometimes with rust accents. The small herons can have white bellies or mottled gray or brown feathers.
Step 3:
Look for the extendable neck. At rest or in flight, the large herons keep their slender necks coiled. Smaller herons appear stockier, although their necks extend when they strike at prey.
Step 4:
Take note of the nesting habits of the North American herons. Although it seems incongruous to see these large birds roosting in trees, they build platform nests to keep their young safe from predators. Look for nests in treetops near rivers or streams.
Step 5:
Consider the beak of North American herons. The slender, sharp beak enables the heron to spear its aquatic prey.
Step 6:
Watch the feeding habits of North American herons. Some engage in freeze hunting, where they stand still and strike when prey nears. Others wade silently while the crafty Green Heron can lure fish by placing an insect on the water's surface.
Step 7:
Listen for a harsh, bark-like call. North American herons are usually silent but emit a raspy or explosive noise when startled.

More Puppy Pages

How to Spot a Northern Harrier

The Northern Harrier is one of many different kinds of hawks. These birds of prey can be easily identified if you know what to look for. Pay attention to color and size when tracking this bird.

Identifying a barn swallow is a fun task for the aspiring ornithologist. These small birds once lived exclusively in caves before the introduction of barns and outbuildings. They can now be found almost everywhere from North, Central and South America.

With the vast number of classes of birds throughout the world it may seem to be a difficult task to identify a particular breed of bird. But if you know what identifying traits to look for it needn't be an overwhelming endeavor. Each species has...

The stereotypical image of the crow is that of a scavenger bird which acts as a nuisance to humans. Home and land owners who have problems with crows may not realize how to manipulate the environment to make the area less attractive to crows. You need to...

Birds can be a problem. Your best friend to scare pest birds may be a rubber snake. With a dollar and a minute, you can set up a one-snake yard. With a few more dollars, you can have a variety of fake snakes glaring at those pesky birds. Try these tips...