Great Blue Herons, Ardea herodias, are one of the most recognizable birds in Florida. The heron’s height and beautiful blue-gray plumage are hard to miss. They can reach 54 inches from head to tail, have a wingspan up to 75 inches, but weigh a mere 5-6 pounds.
You will most often find a Great Blue Heron standing alone at the water’s edge in saltwater or freshwater habitats. Fish, turtles, frogs, insects, birds, and rodents that pass within the area of the heron’s long neck are quickly snatched up by its powerful, long beak. Herons will also forage in fields or grasslands for frogs, birds, and small rodents.
During the breeding season, Great Blue Herons and their mates become part of a breeding colony that can include hundreds of pairs. Breeding colonies of Great Blue Herons are most often found in trees that are within 2-4 miles of their feeding areas. They may also be seen in mangroves, bushes, or on the ground. Males court females who lay 2-6 eggs. The couple shares the responsibility of incubating the eggs for up to a month and feeding the hatchlings for up to 3 months.
While Great Blue Heron’s remain mostly monogamous and enjoy the protection of the colony during the breeding season, for the rest of the year, they are solitary birds and will aggressively defend their feeding territory.
Photo Credit: Dan Kon and Andy Waldo
