Great Blue Heron (Melospiza melodia)

As early as 2400 B.C., herons were depicted on tombs in Egypt.  One relief on the tomb of “Ti” depicts kingfishers and herons in a hippopotamus hunt.  The Great White Heron was featured on a U.S. postage stamp to announce the establishment of Everglades National Park.

Though Herons spend much of their time by water, they do not have the oil glands that protect feathers from becoming wet.  Instead, herons have soft, downlike feathers called “powder down.”   These feathers grow on the breast, and as the barbs break down, a poder-like substance is produced.  This substance provides waterproofing and insulation.

The name heron comes from the Greek word krizein, which means to cry out of shriek.

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