03/23/2026
The Birds of Tangier Island
One of the birds you may see on your cruise to Tangier Island this season is the majestic Great Blue Heron.
This once rare bird grows to 4 feet tall with a 6 to 7 foot wingspan. Despite its large size, its hollow bones allow it to weigh only 5 to 6 pounds. It has a white head with long, black, feathery plumes; a long gray or brownish neck, often held in a graceful S-shape; a bluish-gray body; and underparts streaked with black, brown and white. Its neck and back are covered in shaggy feathers. It has a yellow, spear-like bill and long, chestnut legs.
The Great Blue Heron eats mostly fish, but will also feed on insects, amphibians, crustaceans and other small animals. It silently stalks its prey in shallow waters, then plunges its bill into the water to capture it. It will spend about 90 percent of its waking hours hunting for food.
Herons will nest and breed in colonies, called rookeries, with other herons. Rookeries are located in isolated areas such as wooded swamps and small islands, where human and predator access is limited. Breeding may begin as early as February, with new breeders continuing to arrive at the colonies well into May.
The great blue heron flies with slow, deep wingbeats, holding its neck in a graceful S-shape.
