Great Blue Heron Birds and Their Inherited Traits

Great blue herons are large birds found along coastlines and in marshes. They are the largest of the North American herons. Great blue herons are easily identifiable by their S-shaped necks and long legs. They migrate during the winter, and they tuck their heads into an S shape when flying. The great blue heron has unique inherited traits such as a deadly, sharp beak and beautiful blue plumage.

  1. Characteristics

    • Great blue herons stand 3 to 4 feet tall and weigh between 5 and 7 pounds. Blue-gray feathers cover most of their bodies.These herons have shaggy feathers on their necks and backs. Their wing span is significant at 5 to 6 feet. The young great blue heron looks similar to the adult, but it has a dark upper bill, a gray crown and no plumes.

    Life Cycle

    • Female great blue herons lay three to seven eggs, usually in a tall tree. Both the male and female herons incubate the eggs, which are a pale blue. The chicks are pale gray and can hold their heads up after hatching. The heron chicks are ready to live independently after two months. Great blue herons usually live for about 15 years.

    Hunting and Diet

    • Great blue herons stand very still in the water, waiting for their prey. They pierce the fish with their sharp bills and swallow it whole. Great blue herons have been known to choke to death by trying to swallow fish that are too large. These birds also eat salamanders, lizards, crabs, small birds and mice. Mice make up the second largest portion of the great blue heron's diet. The great blue heron has also been known to linger at fish hatcheries, eating the dead or diseased fish on the water's surface.

    Habitat

    • Great blue herons are found in shallow water along coastlines. They live along marshes, ponds, rivers, lakes and saltwater shores. They nest in colonies, and their nests are made of large sticks. The floor of the nest is soft, consisting of pine needles, dry grass and twigs. Their nests are usually built in tall trees, but sometimes they are built in shrubs or along a cliff's edge. Great blue herons are creatures of habit, building their nests in the same spot from year to year.