Pacific Great Blue Heron Nature Canada
This iconic bird is known for wading in the water on its tall, thin legs. Save endangered species today by joining one of our campaigns! Help End the Extinction
The Great Blue Heron has long, skinny legs and long, skinny toes that are partially webbed. This bird also has a long neck and a short tail. They’re mostly blue-grey in colour, but have a white belly that’s streaked with black.
The biggest threats to the Pacific Great Blue Heron are human development and disturbance, industrial development, and road construction. All of these factors are causing the destruction of the quiet wooded areas Herons need to nest.
Human residential development is decreasing Heron nesting sites. And when the herons are disturbed, they leave their nests. This results in the vulnerable chicks being preyed upon by bald eagles. Industrial development and activity, particularly logging, does the same.
High levels of toxins have also been found in Pacific Great Blue Heron body tissues. There is concern that the levels, which are considered a threat in urban areas, could get higher.
In British Columbia, the Pacific Great Blue Heron, its nests, and its eggs are protected under the province’s Wildlife Act. It is also protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994). Similarly, this act makes it illegal to harm the Herons, their eggs, or their nests.
Canada has committed to the goal of protecting 30% of lands, ocean, and freshwater in Canada by 2030. This goal will help protect ecosystems, restore habitats, and fight climate change. All these things are a step in protecting Canada’s at-risk animals—so let’s hold the federal government to their promise.
Originally drafted by volunteer Michael Berrigan. Updated in July 2022 by Simona Casale.
Hello nature life wilderness is the world’s envy. It’s our duty to keep our true north strong and green.
Donate