Little blue heron

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

The little blue heron breeds as far north as southeastern Canada and the Midwest US. They are a year-round resident in the southeastern US, West Indies, Mexico, and as far south as northern South America.

This is primarily a coastal species in New Jersey. They will breed near fresh, brackish, or salt water. Nesting locations within New Jersey have only been documented along the shorelines of Barnegat Bay and south. However, they will forage in water bodies and marsh outside of the coastal area.

Little blue herons’ preferred habitat is wetland and forest bordering water bodies. They nest in trees or shrubs by fresh or salt water and forage in and alongside water bodies. Nests are usually between 8-15 feet above the ground.

DIET

Little blue herons feed on aquatic invertebrates and fish. They feed by standing or walking slowly in or alongside water, with their neck bent forward at a 45-degree angle. When they see prey, they then spear it with their sharp bill.

LIFE CYCLE

The little blue heron’s breeding season begins in April and usually ends by late August or mid-September. They nest in colonies which are often quite large and may be occupied by other heron and egret species as well.

The female builds the nest while the male delivers nesting material to her. Three to five pale greenish-blue eggs are laid and then incubated by both adults for 22-24 days. The nestlings are semialtrical and are cared for by both adults. The young can leave the nest by 12 days old and can make short flights by the age of 30 days. They become independent of their parents by 35-49 days old.