One of the most charismatic species at the garden, the Great Blue Heron is an integral part of the marsh ecosystem here at the gardens. They are the poster child for many aquatic ecosystems, and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is no exception. This bird may greet you upon entering the gardens as it wades in the ponds for food.
Physical Description:
The Great Blue Heron is one of the largest birds in this area. They are between 45-54in in height, 2100-2500g in weight, and a 65-79in wingspan. They have a slender neck and body with blue, grey, and white feathers. They have a yellow bill and some dark blue plumage. Their movement involves stalking their prey by moving carefully in the water or on the shore with their long legs. They wait for the perfect opportunity to quickly strike their prey.
Locality:
The Great Blue Heron is most adapted to living near fresh or brackish bodies of water. Brackish water is water that has a salt content between freshwater and saltwater. River, marshes, and swamps nationwide support populations of this species. Their native range includes most of North America from as far north as Canada and as far south as Panama. There are thousands of year-round residents, while some migrate from Canada to warmer, lower latitudes.
Population status:
The Great Blue Heron has the status “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with up to 5 million individuals worldwide. Their breeding season is between February and May. A female will lay up to 2 broods a season with up to 6 eggs per brood. Great Blue Herons are non-monogamous and will choose a new mate every year. Normally solitary, they will gather in large numbers to breed and rear offspring. The male will gather the material needed for the nest. The female will construct the nest signaling they will produce young that season.
Trophic Level / Diet:
Due to their size, Great Blue Herons are at the top of the food chain in this area. Scavengers such as Raccoons or Crows will opportunistically eat their eggs. Adult herons are generally not predated. Their diet consists primarily of fish, but they are generalists when it comes to prey. Small invertebrates, mammals, and reptiles are all consumed by Great Blue Herons. They assume the role of secondary consumer, only predated on by large raptors like bald eagles. This is a rare occurrence.
