Herons are large wading birds in the family Ardeidae, which includes egrets and bitterns. There are around 64 species of herons worldwide, 11 of which can be found in the United States. Herons are carnivorous birds that mostly feed on small fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and insects. They frequent wetlands, streams, ponds, and other waterways hunting for prey. With their long legs, necks and pointed bills, herons are perfectly adapted for standing patiently in shallow water waiting to ambush their next meal.
Herons build nests called heronries in trees, shrubs or reeds, often near water. Nests are made of sticks and lined with softer material. Heron species found in the U.S. include the Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Reddish Egret, Cattle Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron and American Bittern.
In this article, we will examine how many herons there are estimated to be in the United States. We will look at population data and trends for the major heron species to get an idea of total heron numbers across the country.
Population Estimates for Major Heron Species
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is the largest and most widespread heron species in North America. It has a population estimate of around 151,000 breeding adults in the U.S. Great Blue Herons are found year-round throughout most of the lower 48 states, southern Alaska, and southern Canada. They commonly feed and nest near fresh and saltwater wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers and streams.
Great Egret
The Great Egret (Ardea alba) has a population estimate of around 144,000 breeding adults in the U.S. Great Egrets are found year-round in the lower 48 states. They nest in colonies called heronries in shrubs or trees, often on islands. Great Egrets feed in marshes, wet meadows, ponds, tidal flats and along shorelines.
Snowy Egret
The Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) has a population estimate of around 89,000 breeding adults in the U.S. Snowy Egrets breed in wetlands across the lower 48 states and southern Canada. They migrate from more northern areas in winter. Their habitat includes marshes, ponds, tidal flats and wet fields.
Little Blue Heron
The Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) has a population estimate of around 64,000 breeding adults in the U.S. Little Blue Herons breed along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the U.S. as well as in Florida, wandering north in the summer. They inhabit coastal marshes, ponds, and tidal pools.
Tricolored Heron
The Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) has a population estimate of around 137,000 breeding adults in the U.S. Tricolored Herons breed along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and inland across the South. They inhabit fresh and saltwater marshes, ponds, tidal flats and mangroves.
Reddish Egret
The Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) has a population estimate of around 5,500 breeding adults in the U.S. Reddish Egrets nest along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana. They forage for fish along shallow coastal waters.
Cattle Egret
The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) has a population estimate of around 75,000 breeding adults in the U.S. Cattle Egrets expanded their range from Africa and southern Europe to North America in the late 1800s. They are now found year-round across most of the lower 48 states. Cattle Egrets forage in pastures and wet fields.
Green Heron
The Green Heron (Butorides virescens) has a population estimate of around 129,000 breeding adults in the U.S. Green Herons breed across North America. They inhabit marshes, ponds, tidal flats, and shorelines, building nests near water in shrubs and trees.
Black-crowned Night-Heron
The Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) has a population estimate of around 74,000 breeding adults in the U.S. Black-crowned Night-Herons breed in wetlands across North America. They are nocturnal feeders, hunting at night for small fish, crustaceans, frogs and insects.
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) has a population estimate of around 57,000 breeding adults in the U.S. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons breed in wetlands of the southeastern states. They forage at night in marshes, swamps, and mangroves.
American Bittern
The American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) has a population estimate of around 120,000 breeding adults in the U.S. American Bitterns breed in marshes across much of North America. They are secretive birds known for their camouflage plumage and booming courtship calls.
Estimated Total Heron Population in the U.S.
Based on the most recent population estimates for the major heron species breeding in the United States, the total heron population is estimated to be around 1 million breeding adults. This includes the species detailed above, as well as less common herons such as the Green Heron and Reddish Egret.
The table below summarizes the population estimates for the most widespread heron species in the U.S.:
Species | Estimated Population |
---|---|
Great Blue Heron | 151,000 |
Great Egret | 144,000 |
Snowy Egret | 89,000 |
Little Blue Heron | 64,000 |
Tricolored Heron | 137,000 |
Reddish Egret | 5,500 |
Cattle Egret | 75,000 |
Green Heron | 129,000 |
Black-crowned Night-Heron | 74,000 |
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron | 57,000 |
American Bittern | 120,000 |
Total | 1,045,500 |
So in summary, the total breeding heron population in the United States is estimated to be around 1 million individuals across 11 species. The most abundant species are the Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron and American Bittern. Herons can be found in wetland habitats across the entire continental U.S. as well as Alaska and Hawaii.
Heron Population Trends
Most heron species in North America experienced population declines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to hunting, egg harvesting and habitat loss. Conservation measures helped stabilize and recover populations throughout the 1900s. Herons remain dependent on wetland habitats, which continue to face pressures from development and pollution.
Today, many heron populations are stable or increasing thanks to wetland protection and management for conservation. However, some species like the Reddish Egret face ongoing population declines due to limited breeding habitat. Monitoring breeding surveys help track populations so conservation efforts can target species of concern.
Wetland restoration initiatives help provide crucial feeding and nesting habitat for herons across the U.S. Public education also helps reduce disturbance to sensitive nesting colonies. Maintaining healthy wetland ecosystems will be key to ensuring stable future populations of these iconic wetland birds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the total heron population in the United States is estimated to be around 1 million breeding adults across 11 species. The most common herons include the Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron and American Bittern. Most species suffered declines in the past but have rebounded thanks to wetland protection and management.
Ongoing conservation efforts focused on wetlands are crucial to maintaining stable populations of herons that rely on these habitats for feeding and nesting. While many heron populations remain stable, species like the Reddish Egret are still declining and require monitoring and habitat management. Ensuring healthy wetland ecosystems through restoration initiatives and reducing human disturbance will allow these unique wading birds to continue thriving across the diverse wetland landscapes of North America.