Herons of California are interesting birds With long legs and graceful necks, these amazing creatures live near water and are a beautiful sight in nature. Read below & learn more about these birds.
List of 11 Herons that common in California
1.Great Blue Heron:
The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North America. It has a beautiful blue-gray color and can have a wingspan of up to 6 feet! These herons live near water like lakes, rivers, and marshes.
They are really good at fishing and can stand still for a long time waiting to catch their next meal. Great Blue Herons build big nests in trees and usually lay 3 to 6 eggs.
- Length: 38.2 – 53.9 in (97 – 137 cm)
- Weight: 74.1 – 88.2 oz (2100 – 2500 gm)
- Wingspan: 65.8 – 79.1 in (167 – 201 cm)
2.Black-crowned Night Heron:
The Black-crowned Night Heron is special because it’s mostly active at night. These medium-sized herons have a black crown and back, with white or gray underneath. They are known for their red eyes and short legs.
They like to eat fish, crustaceans, and small rodents. Black-crowned Night Herons nest in groups in trees near water. You can find out more about them on Audubon’s website.
- Length: 22.8 – 26.0 in (58 – 66 cm)
- Weight: 25.6 – 35.8 oz (727 – 1014 gm)
- Wingspan: 45.3 – 46.5 in (115 – 118 cm)
3. Great Egret:
Great Egrets are tall, white birds often mistaken for herons because of their similar size and shape. They have long, black legs and a yellow bill. Great Egrets are found in both fresh and saltwater environments, where they hunt for fish, frogs, and small mammals.
They are known for their elegant look and impressive flying skills.
- Length: 37.0 – 40.9 in (94 – 104 cm)
- Weight: 35.3 oz (1000 gm)
- Wingspan: 51.6 – 57.1 in (131 – 145 cm)
4. Snowy Egret:
The Snowy Egret is a smaller egret with a striking appearance. It has pure white feathers, black legs, and yellow feet, which it uses to stir up the water to catch fish. These egrets are often seen dancing in the water as they hunt.
They live in marshes and wetlands and are known for their loud, harsh calls. For more fun facts about Snowy Egrets, visit National Geographic Kids.
- Length: 22.1 – 26.0 in (56 – 66 cm)
- Weight: 13.1 oz (370 gm)
- Wingspan: 39.4 in (100 cm)
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5. Cattle Egret:
Cattle Egrets are unique because they often follow cattle, horses, and other large animals to catch the insects that these animals stir up. They are smaller than other egrets and herons, with white bodies and sometimes orange-brown patches on their heads and backs.
Cattle Egrets live in fields, farms, and near water. They build their nests in trees or shrubs, usually in colonies. To learn more about Cattle Egrets, head over to eBird.
- Length: 18.1 – 22.1 in (46 – 56 cm)
- Weight: 9.5 – 18.1 oz (270 – 512 gm)
- Wingspan: 34.6 – 37.8 in (88 – 96 cm)
6.Green Heron:
The Green Heron is a small, colorful bird with a greenish-black back and chestnut-colored body. These clever birds use tools like twigs or insects to catch fish, which is pretty unusual for birds!
Green Herons can be found near small bodies of water like ponds or marshes. They’re a bit shy, so you have to be quiet to see them.
- Length: 16.1 – 18.1 in (41 – 46 cm)
- Weight: 8.5 oz (240 gm)
- Wingspan: 25.2 – 26.8 in (64 – 68 cm)
7. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron:
The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron is a medium-sized heron with a beautiful gray body, black head, and a yellow crown.
Like the Black-crowned Night Heron, these birds are also active at night.They love to eat crabs and crayfish. They live in coastal areas and wetlands.
- Length: 21.6 – 27.6 in (55 – 70 cm)
- Weight: 22.9 – 28.2 oz (650 – 800 gm)
- Wingspan: Around 48 in (121.92 cm)
8. Little Blue Heron:
Little Blue Herons are medium-sized and start life as white birds before turning a lovely blue color as they get older. They can be found in marshes and on the shores of lakes and ponds.
These herons eat fish and frogs by slowly stalking them in shallow water. Learn more about Little Blue Herons on Birds of the World.
- Length: 22.1 – 29.1 in (56 – 74 cm)
- Weight: 10.4 – 14.5 oz (296 – 412 gm)
- Wingspan: 39.4 – 41.3 in (100 – 105 cm)
Related article:26 Species of Sparrows in California You can see
9. Tricolored Heron:
The Tricolored Heron, formerly known as the Louisiana Heron, is slender with a mix of blue-gray, lavender, and white colors. They are active hunters and like to dash around in shallow water to catch fish.
Tricolored Herons are found in coastal areas, estuaries, and wetlands. For more details, check out eBird’s profile.
- Length: 23.6 – 27.6 in (60 – 70 cm)
- Weight: Around 14.6 oz (415 gm)
- Wingspan: 37.4 in (95 cm)
10. American Bittern:
The American Bittern is a part of the heron family but is more secretive. They blend into their marshy habitats thanks to their brown, streaky appearance.
They make a unique, deep call that sounds like water being pumped. These bitterns are found in freshwater marshes and wetlands.
- Length: 23.6 – 33.5 in (60 – 85 cm)
- Weight: 13.1 – 17.6 oz (370 – 500 gm)
- Wingspan: Around 36.2 in (92 cm)
11. Reddish Egret:
The Reddish Egret is known for its energetic hunting style and beautiful reddish-purple feathers. They are a bit rare and are mostly found in coastal areas, particularly in southern California.
They have two color forms – dark and white. These egrets like to run, spin, and jump while chasing fish in shallow water.
- Length: 27.6 – 31.5 in (70 – 80 cm)
- Weight: 24.7 – 30.0 oz (700 – 850 g)
- Wingspan: 45.3 – 46.5 in (115 – 118 cm)
FAQs :
Q: What is the largest heron species found in California?
A: The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron species in North America and can be found in California.
Q: Are the Great Egret and the Snowy Egret the same species?
A: No, the Great Egret and the Snowy Egret are two different species. The Great Egret is larger with a yellow bill, while the Snowy Egret is smaller with black legs and yellow feet.
Q: What heron is known for hunting at night?
A: The Black-crowned Night Heron and the Yellow-crowned night heron are known for their nocturnal (night-time) hunting habits.
Q: Can the Cattle Egret be found in urban areas?
A: Yes, Cattle Egrets often adapt to various environments and can be found in both rural and urban settings, often near livestock.
Q: What makes the Green Heron unique in its hunting technique?
A: The Green Heron is known for using tools, like twigs or insects, to catch fish, which is quite rare among birds.
Q: Do Little Blue Herons change color?
A: Yes, Little Blue Herons start life as white birds and gradually develop blue plumage as they mature.
Q: Where can I find Tricolored Herons in California?
A: Tricolored Herons are typically found in coastal areas, estuaries, and wetlands in California.
Q: What distinctive sound does the American Bittern make?
A: The American Bittern is known for its unique booming call that sounds like water being pumped.
Q: Is the Reddish Egret common in California?
A: The Reddish Egret is relatively rare and is primarily found in the southern coastal areas of California.
Q: What is the primary habitat of the Great Blue Heron?
A: The Great Blue Heron primarily inhabits fresh and saltwater wetlands, rivers, lakes, and estuaries.
Q: How can I differentiate between the Great Egret and the Snowy Egret?
A: The Great Egret is larger with a yellow bill and black legs, while the Snowy Egret is smaller with a black bill, black legs, and distinctive yellow feet.
Conclusion:
The herons of California are important birds that help maintain the balance of aquatic ecosystems. They are skilled hunters, known for their elegant appearance and ability to fit into different aquatic environments. Protecting these birds helps keep our natural environment.