Ohio is home to several species of herons that reside in the state or pass through during migration. The most common herons spotted in Ohio include the Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and Yellow-crowned Night-Heron.
Quick Answer
The most common heron species found in Ohio are:
- Great Blue Heron
- Great Egret
- Green Heron
- Black-crowned Night-Heron
- Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
What factors determine which heron species are found in Ohio?
Several factors influence which heron species inhabit or migrate through Ohio:
- Habitat – Herons need wetland areas to forage and nest, so Ohio’s marshes, lakes, rivers, and swamps help support heron populations.
- Geography – Ohio’s location within major migration flyways brings many heron species through during seasonal movements.
- Food availability – Abundant fish, amphibians, insects, and small rodents in Ohio provide ample food.
- Nesting sites – Herons require trees or protected areas near water to build nests and raise young.
- Weather/climate – Some herons only pass through Ohio during migrations or may leave for winter due to harsh cold conditions.
The variety of suitable wetland habitat and position within major migration routes allows several heron species to thrive in Ohio or utilize the state as an important stopover area.
Descriptions of Common Ohio Herons
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is Ohio’s largest and most widespread heron species. These regal birds stand over 4 feet tall with blue-gray plumage, long legs, a white head with black stripes, and a dagger-like bill. Great Blue Herons nest in colonies called heronries, often high up in trees near water. They forage while wading slowly through shallow wetlands and eat a variety of small animals including fish, frogs, salamanders, crayfish, and more. Great Blue Herons reside year-round in Ohio, but northern birds migrate south for the winter.
Great Egret
The bright white Great Egret towers at over 3 feet tall among the herons in Ohio. They have a yellow bill, black legs, a bushy crest, and dark eyes. Great Egrets nest in colonies with other wading birds, making large stick nests. They stalk prey methodically in shallow water, waiting patiently to spear fish, frogs, small reptiles, and other aquatic animals. Great Egrets migrate through Ohio in spring and fall, while others stay to nest in wetlands during summer.
Green Heron
The small and stocky Green Heron only reaches about 18 inches in height. As the name suggests, they have mostly green and bronze plumage with a chestnut-colored neck and white chin stripe. Green Herons inhabit marshes, ponds, and shorelines where they perch patiently on branches and drop down to grab unsuspecting prey including fish, insects, frogs, and crustaceans. They nest solitarily in bushes, swamps, or low trees rather than in colonies. Green Herons can be found in Ohio during spring and summer.
Black-crowned Night-Heron
The Black-crowned Night-Heron is a nocturnal heron species found in Ohio, active mostly at night or dusk. They have gray and white plumage with a black crown and back. Their eyes are red. Black-crowned Night-Herons nest in colonies, often alongside other wading birds. They forage at night on a variety of small animals including fish, crabs, crayfish, small mammals, and insects. These herons migrate through Ohio in spring and fall, but may also nest here in summer.
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron shares the stocky body, short neck, and nocturnal habits of the Black-crowned. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons have a black, gray, and white patterned back, with a yellow crown and white cheek patches. Their eyes are also red. They forage along shorelines at night for crabs, fish, frogs, insects, and other small prey. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons pass through Ohio during migration and sometimes stay to nest in summer wetlands.
When and where are herons found in Ohio?
The seasonal abundance and location of Ohio’s herons depend on the species:
Species | Breeding Season | Migration | Winter | Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
Great Blue Heron | March – July | Some migrate | Year-round, statewide | Wetlands, rivers, lakes, coasts |
Great Egret | April – August | April – June, August – October | Rare | Marshes, swamps, ponds |
Green Heron | May – August | April – June, August – October | Rare | Marshes, ponds, shorelines |
Black-crowned Night-Heron | May – July | April – June, August – October | Rare | Coastal and inland wetlands |
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron | May – August | April – June, August – October | Rare | Marshes, swamps, thickets |
In summary:
- Great Blue Herons are present year-round across Ohio’s waterways.
- Other species primarily pass through during spring and fall migrations.
- Some stay to breed in Ohio’s wetlands during summer months.
- Most herons winter farther south and are rare in Ohio during winter.
Best places to see herons in Ohio
The top spots for viewing and observing herons in Ohio include:
- Magee Marsh – this wildlife area on the Lake Erie shoreline attracts huge numbers of migrating herons in spring and fall.
- Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge – expansive wetlands and marsh habitat with high heron abundance year-round.
- Maumee Bay State Park – heronries with views of nesting Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Black-crowned Night-Herons.
- Darby Creek Wetlands – Great Blue Herons and Green Herons seen regularly along this restored metro park wetland.
- Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area – a 9,200 acre wetland supporting diverse waterbirds including herons.
Careful observers may also catch glimpses of foraging herons along the shorelines of Lake Erie, reservoirs, rivers, and protected wetlands across Ohio at the right time of year.
Heron nesting and breeding habits
Understanding how herons nest and breed can make them easier to observe in Ohio:
- Most species build stick nests high up in trees (except solitary Green Herons).
- Nests are often built in colonies called heronries for protection from predators.
- Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Black-crowned Night-Herons and Yellow-crowned Night-Herons nest colonially.
- Green Herons nest solo in secluded wetland thickets and bushes.
- Peak breeding is from March to August depending on species.
- Parents share incubation duties, lasting about a month before eggs hatch.
- Chicks fledge the nest after 6-8 weeks and are fed by parents up to 14 weeks.
Look for heron chicks and juvenile birds foraging with parents along Ohio’s waterways during summer.
Conservation status
Most heron species in Ohio are doing well, though habitat loss threatens the less common Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the conservation status of Ohio’s herons is:
- Great Blue Heron – abundant and secure
- Great Egret – uncommon but increasing population trend
- Green Heron – common and widespread
- Black-crowned Night-Heron – locally common statewide
- Yellow-crowned Night-Heron – endangered and declining in Ohio
Protecting wetlands is crucial for maintaining Ohio’s heron populations. Herons thrive best in undisturbed habitats with mature trees for nesting and healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Conclusion
Ohio provides important breeding and migration habitat for several heron species. The majestic Great Blue Heron lives here year-round, while others pass through seasonally on their epic journeys along the migratory flyways over America. Late spring brings peak diversity, with herons like the Great Egret and Yellow-crowned Night-Heron gracing Ohio’s wetlands. Continued conservation and habitat protection is key for the future of Ohio’s beloved herons.