Do great blue herons migrate? This is something many people wonder about, especially if they’ve seen a heron during the cold winter months. And the answer is both yes and no. Here’s what you’ll want to know.
Great Blue Heron Range
The great blue heron has a large range. In fact, it has the largest non-breeding range of any North American heron. In the summer months, it can be found over most of North America and southern Canada.
Most Herons Migrate
The majority of great blue herons migrate during the winter months since the waters where they feed freeze over. Herons located in north-central North America, in particular, are the most likely to migrate because of the yearly freezing winter conditions.
During the winter months migrating herons fly south to warmer locations. And during this time their range extends to Mexico, the Caribbean, and into northern South America as well. Normally great blue herons migrate in September and October and may fly both during the day and at night.
While some herons fly south in small groups containing only a few birds, others will fly in groups as large as a hundred or more. Important wintering areas for great blue herons include such places as the Strait of Georgia, the Puget Sound, Great Salt Lake, Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the pacific coast of Mexico.
But there are many others as well. Herons will typically stay in warm southern locations until around February or March when they start a return migration back.
Some Herons Don’t Migrate
Herons that live in warm areas such as the southern United States and below are usually year-round residents. Those that live in areas where there are mild winters may not migrate either. Whether a heron migrates or not may also depend on how mild or severe the specific winter is.
If herons do stay the winter and larger bodies of water such as lakes do freeze these birds may simply change to feeding in unfrozen moving water such as rivers and streams to find food.
One of the more interesting great blue heron facts is that there are also just some individual birds that simply decide to remain in cold northern climates year-round. And because herons eat a wide range of prey which includes things such as rodents it helps to sustain them if and when the water freezes over.
Start Shopping for Birding Supplies!
Golden Eagle Facts
The golden eagle is a large bird of prey. And there are many amazing things you’ll want to know about this species. So here are some of the top golden eagle facts. It's A Highly-Respected Species In The World Of Falconry Falconry is the sport of hunting animals using...
Eagle Facts
Eagles are big and powerful built birds of prey. There are many amazing things you’ll want to know about these truly spectacular birds. So here are some of the most interesting eagle facts. The Steller’s Sea Eagle Is The Largest Eagle Species In The World The...
Birds That Look Like Cassowaries
Cassowaries are big flightless birds native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. These wary critters are well-known for their brightly-colored heads which have a casque or “helmet,” on top. However, despite their unique looks, they are often confused with...
Birds That Look Like Rheas
Rheas are large flightless birds native to South America. These big grayish-brown birds are well-known for their long necks and for using their wings to help them balance and change direction when running. However, they are often confused with several other types of...
Birds That Look Like Emus
Emus are large, brown, flightless birds that are only found in Australia. These Australian icons are well-known for their size and unique looks. However, they are often confused with several other types of birds that have a similar appearance. So here’s a list of...
Birds That Look Like Ostriches
Ostriches are flightless birds with bare necks and heads. They are well-known for their ability to run at high speeds but also because they’re the largest species in the world. However, they are often confused with several other types of birds that have a similar...
Black Vulture Pictures
Black vultures aren’t typically thought of in a positive light. However, these important birds help to keep the environment free of disease and harmful bacteria by feeding on the remains of dead animals. But there are many more interesting things about them as well....
Coyote Facts
The coyote is a wild canine found in North America that’s typically about the size of a medium-sized dog. There are many things you’ll want to know about this wily species that’s famous for its intelligence. So here are some of the most interesting coyote facts. The...
Turkey Vulture Facts
The turkey vulture, also known as the turkey buzzard, is a bird of prey with a unique red head. There are many interesting things you’ll want to know about this commonly seen vulture species. So here are the most amazing turkey vulture facts. The Turkey Vulture Has An...
Turkey Vulture Pictures
The turkey vulture is a widespread and distinct-looking bird of prey. And there are many more amazing things about this special species. So we’ve collected some of the best turkey vulture pictures to show you just how unique they are. Turkey Vultures Sunning To warm...
Vulture Facts
Vultures may not be known for their good looks however they do play an incredibly important role in the food chain and when it comes to preventing disease. There are many other interesting things you’ll want to know about these often misunderstood birds as well. So...
Vulture Pictures
Vultures are birds of prey that play a vital role in the natural balance. These flying scavengers help to keep the environment clean and free of diseases. And there are many more interesting things about them. So we’ve collected some of the best vulture...
Black Vulture Facts
The black vulture is a large bird of prey. It ranges from the Mid-Atlantic States in the U.S. all the way down through Central and most of South America. This widespread species has many interesting things about it. So here are the top black vulture facts. The Black...
Crow Facts
Crows are a group of birds that belong to the family Corvidae. They are known for their extremely high intelligence and sometimes mischievous behavior. They are fascinating animals and here are some of the most amazing crow facts. Crows Roost In Large Numbers Crows...
Owl Facts
Owls are nocturnal birds of prey. These birds are known for their large eyes and ability to fly almost in total silence. But there are many other interesting things about them as well. Here are some of the most amazing owl facts. The Biggest Owl In The World According...
Alligator Facts
Squirrel Facts
Most people are familiar with squirrels. These bushy-tailed acrobats can often be seen right in your own backyard. So you’ll want to know some of these amazing squirrel facts! The Largest Squirrel Species In The World Is The Malabar Giant Squirrel This species is also...
Squirrel Pictures
Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents that live in a wide range of habitats and maybe even your own backyard. There are many fascinating things you’ll want to know about these critters. So we’ve compiled some of the best squirrel pictures to help show you just...
Owl Pictures
Owls are birds of prey that are mostly nocturnal. And there are many interesting things about these solitary and silent hunters. So we’ve collected some of the best owl pictures to show just how amazing they really are. Barn Owl The barn owl has the widest range of...
Swan Pictures
Swans are a large type of waterfowl that are well-known for their beauty. These birds are not only attractive but there are also many fascinating things about them as well. So we’ve compiled some of the best swan pictures to help show you just how amazing they are....