Ardea herodias, commonly known as the Great Blue Heron, is native to North and Central America. Its geographical distribution spans from the southern parts of Canada throughout the United States and into Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Some populations are also found in the Galápagos Islands.

The Great Blue Heron inhabits a variety of wetland environments. These include freshwater and saltwater marshes, mangrove swamps, flooded meadows, lake edges, riverbanks, and coastal shorelines. The species prefers areas with abundant water, as it relies on aquatic environments for feeding.

Great Blue Herons are wading birds, primarily feeding on fish, but they also consume a variety of other aquatic creatures including amphibians, invertebrates, reptiles, and small mammals. Their long legs allow them to wade through shallow waters, and their sharp beaks are adapted to catching prey with precision. The species plays a role in controlling fish and amphibian populations and contributes to the biodiversity of wetland ecosystems.