The types of herons in Michigan have decent diversity, with 8 herons/egrets and 2 additional bitterns. Some of the species that can be found in Michigan are abundant, while others are quite rare. Moreover, it is important to differentiate between Michigan cranes and herons, as these birds are entirely different.
This article will present profiles for all of Michigan’s herons to assist residents or visitors to the state with identification. However, before covering the individual species, let me point out a few things to know about Michigan herons:
- All Michigan herons are migratory. This means that they fly south for the winter.
- The herons of Michigan are opportunistic feeders that eat fish, crustaceans, and other small animals.
- Only 4 of Michigan’s 8 herons are known to breed in the state.
- The herons that breed in Michigan regularly breed in rookeries.
Table of Contents
Michigan Herons and Egrets
Black-crowned Night-heron
Identification
Black-crowned Night-herons are stocky herons in Michigan with dense necks and thick, black bills. Adults have captivating red eyes, namesake black crowns, black backs with gray wings, and pale undersides. Juveniles have yellow bills with pale brown and white plumage.
Behavior
Black-crowned Night-herons keep a low profile compared to most Michigan heron species. They like to be sheltered by vegetation during foraging, and they’re not often active during the daylight hours.
Distribution and Habitat
The further north you travel, the harder it is to find this heron in Michigan. Black-crowned Night-herons are scarce in the Upper Peninsula, but they are regular breeders in southeastern Michigan. Look for them in marshes or along quiet water bodies where they perch motionless in trees near water.
Great Blue Heron
Identification
Being about 45 inches tall, Great Blue Herons certainly stand out from other birds. The blue-gray body plumage, red thighs, and black stripes on a white face make for a distinctive bird. Young birds are less colorful than adults, and they possess entirely black caps.
Behavior
Those who have seen a blue heron in Michigan know that they’re not shy, as they frequently spend time foraging in wide-open areas. However, Great Blue Herons in Michigan frequently flush when humans approach them too closely.
Distribution and Habitat
Great Blues are native to the entirety of Michigan during the breeding season, making them the most widespread Michigan heron. However, these birds migrate south to escape the cold winters come fall. Try to find this Michigan heron species along lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes. They can even be seen skulking in harvested row crops fields and residential lawns.
Great Egret
Identification
The identification of a Great Egret is quite straightforward – they are tall white birds with yellow bills. The dark legs and feet are distinctive.
Behavior
Great Egrets are solitary foragers, but they may be found with dozens of other egrets at favorable feeding sites. They spend lots of time in the open like the other egrets in Michigan.
Distribution and Habitat
Great Egrets have been seemingly increasing their presence in the Wolverine State. This species of white heron in Michigan is a regular summer resident, with small breeding populations being established. Great Egrets are not quite as versatile as Great Blue Herons, so looking for these egrets in Michigan in marshes offers the best chance of a visual.
Green Heron
Identification
Green Herons make for another simple ID – they’re the smallest of the types of herons in Michigan. They’ve got dark caps, rufous necks, blue-green backs, and pale undersides when they’re adults. Juveniles are less colorful with more streaking than adults.
Behavior
Green Herons are not as conspicuous when they’re foraging. This is likely because their small size makes them prone to predation. Therefore, these herons of Michigan subtly look for fish and other prey as they skulk along logs.
Distribution and Habitat
Seeing a Green Heron in Michigan is easy, as they are among the most common breeding herons in Michigan. Although these birds tend to be uncommon in the Upper Peninsula, they are readily found in the rest of the state. Watch for them along creeks, ponds, lakes, and other quiet bodies of water.
Little Blue Heron
Identification
Adult Little Blue Herons are distinctive with their entirety dark blue plumage. Juvenile birds are more difficult to identify given that they are entirely white like a Snowy Egret. Indeed, seeing a juvenile can make one question the true differences between herons and egrets. However, note the bicolored bill that can be seen in all plumages of these herons in Michigan.
Behavior
Little Blues forage in the open, showing little fear of humans until one approaches a bit too close. This will prompt this Michigan heron to flush to more secluded habitat.
Distribution and Habitat
Seeing a Little Blue Heron in Michigan is a rare sight. The state can typically expect about a handful of different birds to visit each year, with some years being much better and others slightly worse. You will find this species in a variety of wetland areas. They may also be found along the shores of ponds or lakes, but they are not commonly seen by running water.
Snowy Egret
Identification
Snowy Egrets have dark bills and bright white feathers. All ages have golden feet and they may have either a yellow or red patch of skin in between the eyes and bill.
Behavior
This species methodically forages in shallow habitats. They may use their feet—nicknamed “golden slippers“—as a way of capturing the attention of curious fish.
Distribution and Habitat
Snowy Egrets in Michigan are rare visitors just like Little Blue Herons. These birds tend to be just slightly more common compared to Little Blues, with most years yielding between 5 and 10 distinct reports. Watch for this Michigan egret to appear in marshes, mudflats, or shallow lakes.
Western Cattle Egret
Identification
Western Cattle Egrets are short, chunky egrets in Michigan that have yellow bills and feathers that are entirely white in nonbreeding plumages. Birds get some buffy coloration to their feathers in the breeding season.
Behavior
This unusual Michigan egret is quite social, as they are often found with others. However, this may not be the case in Michigan since the state is not within its expected range.
Distribution and Habitat
It wasn’t until 1970 that the first Western Cattle Egret was observed in Michigan. Now, they are expected annually, with around 10 reports typically being made. Watch for these Michigan egrets in a variety of atypical heron habitats like pastures, fallow fields, and golf course greens. They may also be found in more traditional locations like marshes and pond edges.
Yellow-crowned Night-heron
Identification
These thick-billed, chunky Michigan herons are blue-gray overall with a black and white face. Young birds have feathers that are a combination of brown and gray.
Behavior
This heron in Michigan is shy, preferring to stay under the cover of vegetation than forage in the open. The quiet lifestyles of these birds and their tendency to rest during the day means you may unknowingly walk right past one.
Distribution and Habitat
The rarest of the Michigan herons that made this list, there are some years in which Yellow-crowned Night-herons are not observed in the state. In other years, there may be a handful of records. These herons in Michigan are quite fond of crustaceans, so watch for them to be in areas with lots of crayfish. Marshes, flooded forests, and woods adjacent to creeks and rivers are good places to check.