Chesapeake Bay Critters

I've Got The Blues

I am one of six colonial nesting bird species that live year round in the Chesapeake Bay.
My head is a light blue-gray color that has black stripes that go the whole way down my neck.
My back and wings are my distinct characteristics, they are a grayish-blue that has many feather markings.
My bill is a yellow color with a grayish tint.
I am the biggest bird in my species line.
My nickname is the Great Blue.
I am found in many areas around ponds and lakes.
I look similar to the Great Egret, but I am bigger and of a different color.
My scientific name is Ardea Herodias.
Most of my species build their nests together in groups called heronries.

Who Am I?