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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web But there is one that particularly embodies L.A.: the great blue heron. 
Matt Pawlik, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022 The opening scenes feature a great blue heron rendered in CGI, guiding the camera through an apparently idyllic weekend-getaway destination, all lush green grass and untouched beaches. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 15 July 2022 Odds are good to spot a great blue heron and certainly a red-winged blackbird. Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 6 June 2022 Along with the great blue heron perched regally on a branch, there were possibly leeches in that water, not to mention poison oak lining the banks. Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2022 The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including brook trout in the creek, great blue heron, songbirds, waterfowl, hawks, bald eagles, frogs, bats, and white-tailed deer. Zoe Sottile, CNN, 2 July 2022 Almost as if on cue, a great blue heron glided past the group noiselessly, creating barely a ripple in the mirror-like waters. New York Times, 1 Apr. 2022 And, with recent dam-removal projects, the river now booms with great blue heron, steelhead trout, and northern pike. Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 14 Mar. 2022 Groves began checking out animals a few years ago, with the hope that a great blue heron or a tiny axis deer fawn would bring out something in her students that a bowl of fruit could not. San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2022 See More
Matt Pawlik, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022 The opening scenes feature a great blue heron rendered in CGI, guiding the camera through an apparently idyllic weekend-getaway destination, all lush green grass and untouched beaches. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 15 July 2022 Odds are good to spot a great blue heron and certainly a red-winged blackbird. Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 6 June 2022 Along with the great blue heron perched regally on a branch, there were possibly leeches in that water, not to mention poison oak lining the banks. Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2022 The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including brook trout in the creek, great blue heron, songbirds, waterfowl, hawks, bald eagles, frogs, bats, and white-tailed deer. Zoe Sottile, CNN, 2 July 2022 Almost as if on cue, a great blue heron glided past the group noiselessly, creating barely a ripple in the mirror-like waters. New York Times, 1 Apr. 2022 And, with recent dam-removal projects, the river now booms with great blue heron, steelhead trout, and northern pike. Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 14 Mar. 2022 Groves began checking out animals a few years ago, with the hope that a great blue heron or a tiny axis deer fawn would bring out something in her students that a bowl of fruit could not. San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1835, in the meaning defined above