The great blue heron, Ardea herodias, is the largest of the herons found in North America. Herons are large, long-necked, and long-legged wading birds with nearly worldwide distribution. Night herons are nocturnal feeders. The great blue heron is part of the widespread day herons. They frequent lakes and marshes, feeding on fish, frogs, and similar prey. Herons typically wade shallow water in search of food. Some herons are solitary except during the breeding season, when they gather in large nesting colonies. Others remain in large groups throughout the year.