What are the 4 Different Types of Herons in Florida?

Along the shorelines that surround CRUISE COCOA’s cruising grounds there is an abundance of wildlife that calls the area home. Some of the easiest to spot are our Great Blue Herons, tri-colored herons, little blue herons and if you look closely in the mangroves, you can spot the smallest of them the green herons.

4. The Great Blue Heron

The largest of all the wading birds in North America. They can stand as tall a 4.5 ft tall and have a wingspan of just under 7 ft. They are very patient hunters that wait until they spot their prey in the shallow waters around their hunting grounds. Their diet mainly consists of fish that they swallow whole, but have been seen eating mice, frogs, snakes, turtles and even baby alligators. Fisherman of the area often find them sneaking up to steal the bait fish.

3. The Tri-Colored Heron

Smaller than the great blue heron. Their plumage varies though out their life. The adults will have a blue grey neck and wings and a white belly. While being commonly seen around coastal areas they have been labeled as “threatened” by the Florida wildlife conservation committee.

2. The Little Blue Heron

Even smaller than the tricolored heron. As a juvenile they sport all white feathers that make their blue beak stand out. They can often be mistaken for the snowy egret at this stage of their lives. After the first year they start to lose the white feathers and their blue feathers take over.

1. The Green Heron

The smallest of the herons in the area. They spend most of their time hiding in the mangroves. Often using a twig or leave as a fishing lure but if they can’t find a suitable option, they have been seen plucking their own feather for use. 

Come join us at CRUISE COCOA and let our captains share our local knowledge.