The great blue heron is considered to be the most widespread heron in North America. So exactly where do great blue herons live? Here’s what you’ll want to know.
Great Blue Heron Range
The great blue heron is found throughout most of the North American continent. In the most northern part of its range, it inhabits Alaska to eastern Canada. During the wintertime northern birds typically migrate south to warmer climates. In these months the great blue herons’ range, therefore, extends southwards reaching Mexico, the Caribbean islands, West Indies, Galapagos Islands, and northern South America.
However, not all great blue herons migrate. Birds that live in warmer areas or locations with mild winters, where the water sources may not freeze completely over, may live there year-round. This is common in parts of the Pacific Northwest and in the southern United States such as in the state of Florida.
Great Blue Heron Habitat
Great blue herons eat a diet mainly made up of fish but they are opportunistic as well and will eat a variety of crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and even waterfowl such as ducklings. They hunt for food in both salt and fresh water. Therefore the best places to encounter them in their range are at the edge of wetlands where they may be hunting for food.
Many pond owners actually encounter herons right in their own backyards. That’s because these predators will not hesitate to take advantage of a backyard pond as a food source if there isn’t a heron decoy or other deterrent to keep them away. If there is suitable habitat great blue herons live close to major urban areas as well, although they do tend to retreat when they see humans.
Herons nest close to their feeding areas and usually not more than a few miles away at the most. They often nest in trees in locations that are hard to get to for predators such as in swampy areas or on islands.
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