The Great Blue Heron

Herons and Egrets are classified as wading birds, almost always with long legs. There are a total of 47 species of heron and egret that are specific to different parts of the world. They can range in size from 15-55" tall. Many herons and egrets live by coastal, swampy, or marshy wetlands, while others are inland dwellers.

The Great Blue heron (Ardea herodius) is one of the largest herons in the world, ranging in size from 38-54" (97-137 cm). Their impressive wingspan can range to 7'. These herons are familiar all through North and Central America. Great Blues' are enjoying a healthy comeback from being an endangered species; once again, due to the abuse of their plumage for hats and other such finery, and because they are fishing competition. What a disservice we have done to this magnificent bird!

The Great Blue heron is one bird that can be identified in flight. They fly with head tucked and legs extended. When they take to the air, their long wings flapping, the sight resembles flying windmills! They have an exotic look due to their long neck and legs. When they are strutting their plumage, showing off each feather; the colors are evident, the perfect placement of each band of color helps to identify the Great Blue from other species of heron. This is a migratory bird, although some remain in warm climates year-round. Great Blues' head north to breed in early spring. They mostly nest in colonies, but it is not unusual to find solitary nests. Occasionally they build their nests on the ground, in an inconspicuous area, but usually the nests are platforms of sticks that are built in tall trees.

Courtship rituals are performed among the birds, with the males posing and preening to show themselves off to a prospective mate. It is a long process that has been described as "an incredible display of beauty and dance". When the birds pair off, the female lays a clutch of 3-7 eggs that are pale blue in color. The incubation period is about 27 days. Both parents care for the hatchlings, feeding them regurgitated food at frequent intervals for several weeks. They begin taking short flights at about 7 weeks. By the age of 2 months, they are capable of sustained flight. A few weeks after this, the chicks are considered independent adults.

The Great Blue heron tends to be a solitary feeder. It is rare to see them feeding in groups. Sightings are usually singular, with the bird standing motionless in the shallow water. Depending upon the kind of prey, the heron will most likely spear it with its sharp bill. The feeding process is a long one. In fact, just looking at the neck of this bird makes one wonder how anything can fit down such a slender neck! Slowly, very slowly, the Great Blue swallows its prey, after first having tossed it into the air and catching it so that it descends down the throat head first. It takes about 30 minutes from mouth to stomach.

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