The Great Blue Heron – Astonishing Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Birds are incredible creatures. In this article I will cover some amazing things about the great blue heron that may astonish you. Did you know that in North America the great blue heron is the largest heron, and is one of the heaviest-flying birds, cruising at 20 to 30 miles per hour? They can also be found in Northern Mexico, Galapagos, and Central America.

Their wingspan is nearly 7 feet. Weighing in at about 4 pounds, still they can consume up to 2 pounds of fish a day. Standing at about 3 feet tall, you can find them hanging around rivers, marshes, streams, and lakes. Their plumage on top is grayish blue, with their breasts and bellies being white in color. Long skinny necks that have reddish hue, with a black plume on the top of their head, their bill is orange or bright yellow.

They nest near water on large trees or sometimes in low shrubs. Initially when their eggs are laid, they are very blue in color. The females produce 2 to 7 eggs. Both parents will incubate the eggs. They will start to mate between 3 and 4 years old and can live to approximately 15 years. A strict carnivore, food sources for this heron consists of fish and frogs, but they will also enjoy birds, insects, snakes, turtles, small mammals, toads, shrimp, clams, snails, and oysters. With their long, thin legs, they stand still in the water looking for prey. Using their neck that can stretch up to about 3 times its length, they locate their prey, spearing them with their long, sharp beak before swallowing them whole.

Primary predators of the great blue heron are coyotes, foxes, wolves, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and alligators. Due to the fact that their natural habitat is being destroyed, while they are not yet endangered, it is expected that their numbers may dwindle in the coming years. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

Information for this article was gathered through multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/ or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which includes harm inflicted upon any animal, are punishable by law.

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