Do Great Blue Herons Migrate? (Everything Explained)

Great Blue Heron (black heron) throughout North America. These magnificent wading birds live in British Columbia, central and coastal Canada, the United States, Mexico, and even Central America.

Great blue herons are only partially migratory. The area the bird calls home determines when and if it flies south for the winter. Populations in Florida, the Pacific Northwest, and the Galapagos Islands generally do not migrate. On the other hand, blue herons that live in other parts of Canada and the northern United States migrate from high-latitude breeding grounds to warmer climates during winter.

Some of them migrate far, wintering as far south as Central America or Guatemala in the Caribbean. We’ll dive into more details about the migratory habits of blue herons throughout this article. Read on to discover more!

The great blue heron is partially migratory

When do blue herons migrate south?

Typically, great blue herons migrate south from their northern breeding areas from mid-September to late October. Alberta and Ontario have late migrations, with most birds not leaving until November or December. At times, early settlers have been recorded in their Southern Territories as early as August.

When do blue herons migrate north?

Blue herons return to their northern breeding grounds between February and April. The arrival of spring doesn’t necessarily match the waning of winter weather. For example, herons returning to the Midwest typically arrive in early February, while herons returning to Kentucky may not reach their breeding grounds until late March.

Great blue herons that nest in central and coastal Canada usually don’t return until mid-May. Some great blue heron populations have even migrated north into arctic Alaska and Canada’s northernmost provinces, the Yukon, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

A great blue heron perched on a branch

Why do blue herons migrate?

Great blue herons migrate based on food availability and to some extent weather conditions. Although these birds are well adapted to numerous regions and can tolerate relatively cold temperatures, food sources for herons become more scarce in winter. Food shortages have forced herons to migrate south.

Generally, herons migrate from areas where water sources freeze over during the colder months. The Great Blue Heron’s diet includes a variety of fish, amphibians, insects, mammals, birds, and crustaceans. Many of these animals were unable to approach or hibernate under the ice throughout the long northern winter.

How far do blue herons migrate?

Migratory great blue heron populations vary widely in migration distances. Some may only migrate a few hundred miles from the northern fringes of their breeding grounds to warmer parts of the United States. Other blue heron populations, however, migrate more than 3,000 miles between the mountains of northern Canada to wintering grounds in southern Mexico or northern South America.

A great blue heron preening its feathers

Are blue herons around all year round?

The Great Blue Heron is a partially migratory species. Some populations remain in or near breeding grounds throughout the year. Herons living in the Pacific Northwest, Florida, and the Galapagos Islands are permanent residents. They can be seen year-round in wetland and upland habitats, often near bodies of water.

Do blue herons migrate in flocks?

Typically, great blue herons migrate alone or in small flocks of three to twelve individuals. During migrations, groups of about 100 herons are occasionally recorded. These birds will travel day and night.

A small flock of blue herons, Whitty Lagoon, South Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Where do blue herons go in winter?

Northern populations of great blue herons migrate south to warmer climates for the winter. These migratory populations are found in the southern United States, Mexico, northern South America and the Caribbean.

Can blue herons survive the winter?

Blue herons are extremely adaptable birds. They can overwinter along the coast of Alaska, Canada, and the northeastern United States. These areas provide abundant food sources year-round because temperatures are more regulated and the waters don’t freeze as often.

On the other hand, herons may not survive the long, harsh winters of central Canada and the northern Great Plains. For this reason, great blue herons migrate south from these areas.

blue heron in flight

Blue Heron Migration FAQs

Do blue herons migrate south for the winter?

Great blue herons are part migrants. Populations in Florida, the Pacific Northwest, and the Galapagos Islands do not migrate. Blue herons that breed elsewhere in North America will migrate south for the winter.

When do blue herons migrate north?

Blue herons typically migrate north between mid-March and early May.

Did blue herons migrate from Michigan?

Most great blue herons in Michigan are migratory. Winters here are long and water sources tend to freeze over the season. They leave the area in late fall, around October, and return in mid-March.

Did blue herons migrate from Canada?

Most great blue herons migrate from Canada in winter. Exceptions include West Coast and East Coast populations.

Did blue herons migrate from New England?

Most great blue herons migrate south from the New England states in winter. They usually leave the area between late July and September. However, populations in coastal New England tend to be there year-round. Waterways don’t usually freeze over, so food supplies aren’t an issue.