Different Types of Herons in Missouri

Exploring the Different Types of Herons in Missouri

Different Types of Herons in Missouri is home to a wide range of bird species, including some beautiful and fascinating herons. These long-legged, graceful birds are a favorite among birdwatchers and nature lovers. Known for their elegant stance and skilled hunting abilities, herons can be spotted in wetlands, rivers, and ponds throughout the state. Let’s dive into the different types of herons you might encounter in Missouri and learn a bit more about each one.

1. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

The Great Blue Heron is the most common and largest heron in Missouri. Here’s what to know about them:

Size and Appearance: Standing at about 4 feet tall with a wingspan of up to 6 feet, the Great Blue Heron is hard to miss. It has a blue-gray body, long neck, and a sharp, yellowish bill.
Habitat: You’ll find these herons in wetlands, along rivers, lakes, and even in marshes. They prefer shallow water where they can wade and hunt for fish.
Behavior: Great Blue Herons are expert fishers. They stand still, patiently waiting for prey, and strike quickly with their long bill. Besides fish, they also eat insects, frogs, and small mammals.
Fun Fact: Great Blue Herons are known to nest in large colonies called “heronries.” These groups of nests are often high in trees, which gives them a safe space from ground predators.

2. Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)

The Little Blue Heron is another interesting species found in Missouri, though they are smaller and less common than the Great Blue Heron.

Size and Appearance: True to its name, the Little Blue Heron is smaller, standing about 2 feet tall. Adults have a dark blue-gray body with a purple-maroon head, while juveniles are entirely white with blue-tipped wings.
Habitat: Little Blue Herons prefer marshes, swamps, and other wetland areas. They often wade in shallow water to catch their food.
Diet: Their diet is similar to the Great Blue Heron, consisting of fish, amphibians, and small crustaceans.
Fun Fact: Juvenile Little Blue Herons resemble white egrets, which can lead to some confusion. As they mature, their plumage changes to the blue-gray color of adults.

3. Green Heron (Butorides virescens)

Green Herons are smaller herons with unique hunting techniques and vibrant coloring.

Size and Appearance: Standing only about 18 inches tall, Green Herons have greenish-black feathers on their backs, a chestnut-brown neck, and a dark crest that they sometimes raise.
Habitat: Green Herons are more secretive than other herons and are often found in wooded ponds, creeks, and swampy areas.
Behavior: These herons are clever hunters and are known to use tools. They may drop insects, feathers, or twigs on the water’s surface to lure fish, a unique behavior in the bird world.
Fun Fact: Green Herons have a distinctive “skew” call and often make short, squawking noises that are easy to recognize if you’re listening for them.

4. Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

Black-Crowned Night Herons are a nocturnal heron species, making them quite different from the others.

Size and Appearance: These stocky herons are about 2 feet tall with a short neck and a distinctive black crown and back. They have red eyes and a grayish-white body.
Habitat: You’re likely to find Black-Crowned Night Herons near water bodies with lots of vegetation. They hide in trees during the day and come out at dusk or night to hunt.
Diet: These herons are opportunistic feeders, eating fish, frogs, small mammals, and even eggs of other birds.
Fun Fact: Since they are nocturnal, you’re most likely to spot them at dawn or dusk. Their red eyes help them see better in low light, making them effective night hunters.

5. Yellow-Crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)

The Yellow-Crowned Night Heron is another unique, lesser-seen heron in Missouri.

Size and Appearance: Similar in size to the Black-Crowned Night Heron, this species has a grayish body, black face, and a yellowish crown stripe on its head.
Habitat: Yellow-Crowned Night Herons prefer swampy forests, coastal areas, and freshwater wetlands. They’re often found near shallow, muddy waters where they can hunt for crustaceans.
Diet: Unlike other herons, Yellow-Crowned Night Herons prefer to eat crustaceans, especially crayfish, when available.
Fun Fact: Yellow-Crowned Night Herons are more commonly seen in the southern parts of Missouri, as they are a bit rarer in the northern regions.

Tips for Spotting Herons in Missouri

Missouri’s state parks, wetlands, and conservation areas are perfect places to observe herons. Here are some tips:

Bring Binoculars: Herons are often spotted at a distance, so binoculars can help you see their features clearly.
Look Near Water: Herons are almost always near water, so focus your search along rivers, lakes, and marshes.
Go Early or Late: The best time to see herons, especially nocturnal ones, is at dawn or dusk.

Conclusion

Herons add beauty and diversity to Missouri’s natural landscape. Whether you spot a tall Great Blue Heron standing majestically by the water or a Green Heron cleverly hunting, each species has its own charm and unique traits. Spend some time exploring Missouri’s wetlands and keep an eye out for these elegant birds. Birdwatching is a relaxing way to connect with nature, and spotting these different heron species can make the experience even more rewarding.

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