The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird that inhabits wetlands and areas near open water throughout North and Central America, as well as parts of South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands. An all-white variant known as the Great White Heron can be found in southern Florida, which has sparked ongoing debate regarding its classification. As the largest heron native to North America, the Great Blue Heron is only surpassed in size by the Goliath Heron and the white-bellied heron. Males are generally larger than females, but it can be challenging to distinguish between the two sexes. These herons typically breed in colonies and return to their nesting sites near water between December and March, depending on the region. These colonies, called Heronries, may contain anywhere from five to 500 nests, usually located within 2.5 to 3.1 miles of suitable feeding areas. Nesting sites are often found in hard-to-reach places such as trees or islands. When trees are not available, the herons may nest in unconventional locations like sagebrush or artificial structures. Occasionally, other waterbirds or smaller herons may also nest in these colonies. In addition to their primary range, sightings of Great Blue Herons have occasionally been reported in Europe and the Azores. In southern Florida and the Florida Keys, the Great White Heron raises questions about whether it is simply a color morph, a subspecies, or an entirely different species.  Overall, the Great Blue Heron exemplifies adaptability in its choice of nesting sites and habitats, which contributes to its widespread presence across various regions.