Louisiana wildlife
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
Louisiana swamps host one of the largest heron rookeries in the South.
See the Great Blue Heron up close
Best months
Mar · Apr · May · Jun
Best seen at dawn or dusk during the spring nesting season; check the refuge's official site for rookery access and closures.
Where to look
Cypress swamp rookery (e.g., Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge)Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (Barataria Preserve)Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
Conservation status
common year-round resident, nests in colonies
Good to know
What is a rookery and why do herons use it?
A rookery is a colony of nesting birds; great blue herons choose tall, isolated trees in swamps for safety from predators.
Can I see great blue herons outside of spring in Louisiana?
Yes, they are present year-round, but the rookery is most active with courtship and chicks from March through June.
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