blue heron

It’s not a stork, it’s a heron. They are often confused with one another. There are 64 known species of herons that range in color, size, and habitat. These graceful birds can be found on every continent, sans Antarctica. They prefer swamps, wetlands, coastlines, ponds, rivers, and lakes. Since they primarily eat fish, their main foe is water pollution. The great blue heron is the largest heron in North America.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Ardeidae Weight: Up to 11 lbs. Height: Up to 5 feet Wingspan: Up to 7.5 feet Lifespan: Up to 15+ years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) They are carnivores that eat fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, birds, and insects.

2.) Foxes , minks , raccoons , and weasels all prey on the eggs and young herons.

3.) The fat from a heron killed during a full moon was once thought to cure rheumatism. Boy has medicine come a long way. Now if we can just get some people to stop thinking the world is flat, we’d be set.

4.) If they’re disturbed while roosting, they will regurgitate their last meal and aim it at that which disturbed them. Death from above, via vomit. Yummy.

5.) Herons are famous for marauding backyard goldfish ponds. Netting is about the only thing you can do to protect the fish; or you can just get bigger fish, I suppose.

But wait, there’s more on the heron! 6.) These birds are both nocturnal (active at night) and diurnal (active during the day).

7.) Temperate region herons will migrate south for the winter. Herons in other regions do not migrate.

Did you know…? As large as their wingspan may be, they can still reach speeds of up to 30 mph!

8.) It isn’t uncommon for a single tree to house as many as 10 nests!

9.) Herons nest in colonies which may include up to 500 nests!

10.) Females lay up to 4 eggs that hatch in 1 month. The chicks are independent in around 80 days.

Now a Short Heron Video!

Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel . Videos added frequently!

Want to suggest a critter for me to write about? Let me know here .

Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here ! toolTips('.classtoolTips18','

Organisms that are nocturnal are active at night. Animals that fit into this category are typically prey animals that rely on the cover of darkness as a defense. Granted, there are no shortage of predators at night. Some organisms adopt a nocturnal lifestyle due to climate issues. Many desert dwelling animals are nocturnal as it is simply cooler outside at night. Aardvarks , badgers , bandicoots , and aye-ayes are just some examples of nocturnal creatures.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips23','

A creature that feeds primarily or exclusively on animal matter is called a carnivore . Some animals that fall into this category are: crocodiles , birds of prey , and sharks , to name a few.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips23','

A creature that feeds primarily or exclusively on animal matter is called a carnivore. Some animals that fall into this category are: crocodiles , birds of prey , and sharks , to name a few.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips31','

An animal that falls into this category is active during the day. Animals that fit this description typically use sight for hunting prey. Others, like turtles , are active during the day as they need the sun\'s rays to aid in the production of vitamin D, which is needed to help process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Hummingbirds rely on the sun as most of the nectar they gather comes from flowers that are open during the day. Cows , dogs , elephants , butterflies , and squirrels , for example, are diurnal.');

blue heron

The Elegant Heron