What does the Great Blue Heron eat?

The Great Blue Heron's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore, primarily piscivorous (fish-eating), but also eats amphibians, reptiles, insects, rodents, and other small birds.

How it forages

Stands motionless in shallow water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance, then spears it with its sharp bill. Also walks slowly through water or on land, stalking prey. May also hover briefly or dive from a low perch. Primarily eats fish, but also frogs, salamanders, snakes, crustaceans, insects, small mammals (like voles), and small birds.

When it feeds

Primarily diurnal and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), but will also forage at night, especially during full moons or in areas with artificial light.

Explore the Great Blue Heron