Identify Mystery Bird in South Carolina

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The discussion centers around identifying a bird seen in South Carolina, with initial speculation leaning towards it being a Great Blue Heron due to its broad wingspan and body morphology. However, the possibility of it being a Great White Heron is also considered, especially given the white legs observed in the photo. The geographic context suggests that while Great Blue Herons are common, Great White Herons can stray into the area. Participants agree that the bird resembles a heron rather than a crane, dismissing the latter due to lack of distinctive markings and plumage color. The bird's scraggly appearance is noted, and there is speculation that it may be migrating, as the local water sources are limited. Overall, the consensus is that it is most likely a heron, pending better photographic evidence for a definitive identification.
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I saw this while walking home today:

bird.jpg

I've seen it or one of its friends/relatives occasionally in the same area, over the years. It has a broad wingspan when flying. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough to get a picture while it was in the air, and I couldn't get very close to it.

This is in South Carolina, about 150 miles / 250 km inland from the Atlantic coast.
 

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WIfe says "Oh, that's a Great Blue Heron!" When the geographic area was mentioned, "It could be one of the other Herons, but I think it's a Grreat Blue." " It's hard to tell for sure because the head can't be seen very well." We are on the West coast so the Great Blue is the default. Further research shows it may be a Great White, which is mostly in Florida to Texas but strays as far North as New Jersey. The white legs in the photo indicate a White. The Heron declaration is based on overall body morphology and especially on the shape of the bill.

So, lacking a better photo, that's the 'current best guess'.
 
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Tom.G said:
So, lacking a better photo, that's the 'current best guess'.
Lol... Your wife's current 'best guess' is way better than Google's 'best guess' ...
 
It looks like a heron or a crane due to the size and shape.
Cranes are either whooping or sandhill, in NA, and it doesn't look like either, with no markings on the head, and the color of plumage.
So I go with a heron also.

Looks kinda scraggly for some reason.
 
Looks like a heron is the best bet for now. Thanks! I remember seeing them in more waterlogged areas, but we don't have much water nearby, just a few ponds. The nearest lake of any size is about 15 miles away. Maybe it's just migrating and stopped to rest.
 
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