But even though they are large birds, they don’t weigh much (only 5 to 6 pounds), thanks to their light, hollow bones (a trait most birds have). 11 striking facts about great blue herons, How to listen to podcasts, and the best wildlife and nature ones to listen to, 60+ wildlife and nature books for children and teenagers, Hummingbird guide: species facts and where to see, Fascinating facts you (probably) didn’t know about curlews, Everything you need to know about the southern cassowary. According to Wikipedia, The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America and Central America, as well as the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands.. Here’s a list of facts you could find thought-provoking about the bird seen frequently near the park of its same name. This can be a rare case as majority of herons don’t get to live that long. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Learn about the 10 egrets and herons found in North America. The great blue heron is very closely related to the grey heron. Great Blue Heron Facts. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! In the wild, their most vulnerable period is when they are young. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. The upper mandible is dark and the lower is yellow. They’re essentially non-swimming waterbirds that feed on the margins of rivers, lakes, swamps, seas and ponds. This tall waterbird with its dagger-like bill can be found all across North America. Standing at 91–137 cm with a wingspan of 167–201 cm great blue herons only weigh between 1.82–3.6 kg. Take a look below for 28 more interesting and fun facts about herons. There are 7 known subspecies of the Herons, one of which is the Great White Heron, the white form of the Heron. Female herons lay 2-7 pale blue eggs and both parents take turn sitting on the nest to keep the eggs warm. Interesting Facts about Snowy Owls: Harry Potter’s Pet. Blue herons are quieter as compared to other similar species. During the mating season, blue herons tend to stick to only one partner. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 3. Both parents help with incubating the eggs (incubation takes about 4 weeks) and with taking care of the nestlings. It has a direct flight on steady wing beats. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! We hope you enjoy this website. They make calling sounds such as “kraak”, “fraunk”, and “ar” when they are interrupted while flying, feel agitated or threatened close to their nests, and when they come in contact with other species respectively. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Also, herons are a source of food for animals like red-tailed hawks, bears, raccoons, eagles, and turkey vultures. The average lifespan of a heron is 15 years in the wild, with captive herons living up to 25 years. As they like to live near water bodies, you can also find them amidst mangroves, swamps, edges of lakes, marshes, and flooded meadows. They also tend to hold their head close to their body, keeping the neck slightly bent. The Herons have a lifespan of 15 years to 24 years when living in the wild. Standing at 91–137 cm with a wingspan of 167–201 cm great blue herons only weigh between 1.82–3.6 kg. Herons are sometimes mislabelled as “cranes,” which fly with their necks outstretched. They are rarely found far from water. Young herons will fledge at around two months. Would you like to write for us? © Jocelyn Anderson. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Herons spend approximately 90 percent of their waking hours stalking for food. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Did you know that this magnificent bird can fish both during the night as well as the day? According to Wikipedia, The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America and Central America, as well as the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands.. Here’s a list of facts you could find thought-provoking about the bird seen frequently near the park of its same name. The long neck is gray with a black-bordered white throat stripe. Did you know that each year more than 1000 Herons come to nest on La Grande Ile in Lac Saint-Pierre, near Montreal. While fish makes up a majority of their diet, these birds stalk everything from insects to small mammals. Around summer and spring, Great Blue Herons tend to breed all over North and Central America, most of Canada, the Galápagos Islands, and the Caribbean. Learn about the 10 egrets and herons found in North America. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It mainly feeds on small fish but will take a variety of foods. Women would decorate their hats with Heron feathers which later on led towards the species’ depletion. 2. These birds fly with their neck tucked against their body in a “S” shape. Thanks! The head has a white face, cap and black crest. When rivers and lakes begin to freeze up in the late autumn, herons head south, though some living on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts stay year-round. The oldest heron, that has been documented, has said to lived till the age of 23 years. The bird will be fluttering their throat muscles to increase evaporation, an action called “gular fluttering,” an avian version of panting. Main image: Great blue heron. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Typically, male Herons bring the sticks and the female Herons work on the nest. Great Blue Heron Nest Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)...right to your inbox. Great Blue Heron Nest Most of the Canadian population of this species is here only during the breeding season. Copyright © Bird Eden & Buzzle.com, Inc. Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird belonging to the Ardeidae family, which includes herons, egrets, and bitterns. They are considered expert fishers. Fascinatingly Fabulous Facts About the Great Blue Heron. Also, the biggest chick is given the most amount of food by the parents. Get in touch with us and we'll talk... As Herons attempt to swallow their prey whole, they have been known to choke to death at times. There are 64 different species of herons that differ in size, color and type of habitat. Around the world, the Ardeidae family contains approximately 60 species. Already have an account with us? These birds can survive and be found in almost any wetland habitat in North America. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The drooped wings allow air flow to help remove excess heat. They walk slowly or stand absolutely still for a long time, and wait for their prey. You can unsubscribe at any time. Some populations like to migrate towards Central and South America. One of the largest and common herons in North America, the tall, long-legged Great Blue Heron is easily spotted along the shores or edges of small inland ponds. Herons like to add sticks to their nests each year so that they can re-use them. These cookies do not store any personal information. They have similar bodies as the Heron, but are completely white in color. As soon as the prey is close enough, they deliver a deathly blow by thrusting their sharp bill in the water, and swallowing the entire prey with ease. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. These birds help control population of fish and insects from various habitats. After just 60 days of being hatched, a young Heron can start flying. All heron species are associated with water. Sides and a gray-and-white striped belly nest Fascinatingly Fabulous Facts about Snowy Owls: Harry Potter s! Can opt-out if you wish neck tucked against their body in a “ ”... 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