Blue heronGreat Blue Heron
Ardea herodias

Life Span
Approximately 15 years


Statistics

Size: 3.2 to 4.5 ft, Wingspan, 5.5 to 6.6ft.
Weight: 4.6 to 7.3 lbs

Physical Description
The Great Blue heron is a tall light blue-grey bird with long black legs. Blue Herons have a black belly, and black stripe along its white head. The beak is long, and pointed,

Distribution
Blue Herons are the most wide-spread heron in North America, and is found along ocean shores, or inland ponds.

Habitat
Blue Herons inhabit areas near water, including the ocean, rivers, ponds, lakes and marshlands.

Diet
Herons enjoy a mixed diet of fish, amphibians, invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and small mammals.

Behavior
Great blue herons are mainly active in the mornings and at dusk when fishing is best, and prefer to hunt alone. They will walk slowly and spear prey with their long beak. Herons nest in large quantities, and are very protective of nesting sites.

Reproduction
Herons will nest in trees or bushes near bodies of water. They nest in large colonies, often with just one mate per breeding season.  Both parents help to incubate eggs, which hatch after 26-30 days of incubation.

Conservation Status
Protected Species

Voice
Loud rusty squawk

Click Here to see a list of products to help with Herons