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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
Nearby, a great blue heron stood motionless in shallow water.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024
On the other side of the island a great blue heron dips its dagger-like beak into the water.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2024
Speeding across the lake with the throttle pushed to the max proved exhilarating, but entering the Dora Canal provided a serene, shady respite from the open sun with towering cypress trees and plenty of birds to spot — including a limpkin, great blue herons, anhingas, great egrets and more.
—Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2024
There is also habitat to support great blue herons, green herons, egrets, kingfishers and many different songbirds.
—Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 28 June 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1835, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near great blue heron
Cite this Entry
“Great blue heron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great%20blue%20heron. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
great blue heron
noun
: a large grayish blue American heron with a crest of dark feathers on its head
More from Merriam-Webster on great blue heron
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about great blue heron
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