Lifespan of the Great Blue Heron

Great blue herons live long if they survive to maturity.

Life expectancy in birds is closely related to their physical size, and the great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a prime example. The great blue heron is the largest heron species in North America and has an average lifespan of 15 years in the wild.

Record Lifespan

The oldest great blue heron recorded was believed to be over 23 years old. Most blue herons do not live that long; they have a surprising number of predators for such a large bird. Raccoons, eagles, hawks and bears all readily feed on great blue herons.

Mortality Rate

While great blue herons may live a long life for a bird, many herons never survive to maturity. Over 67 percent of great blue herons die within their first year.

Reproduction

Great blue herons become sexually mature after 22 months. Females lay clutches of two to seven eggs in the spring. Females and males alternate sitting on the eggs to incubate them. The eggs hatch within a month and, after two months of care, young blue herons leave the nest to fend for themselves in the wild.

References

• University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Great Blue Heron
• Stanford University: How Long Can Birds Live?
• Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce: Great Blue Heron