Many wading birds adapted to thrive in wetland environments. Wetland wading birds are some of the most vulnerable bird species when wetland areas decline. The US has lost more than half of all wetlands in the lower 48 states. Loss rates have increased by 50% since 2009.
Wetlands are essential ecosystems. They’re areas where water covers the soil. Or where water is near or at the surface of the soil during parts of the year. They can be freshwater, brackish, or saltwater. They can be coastal or inland. Wetlands cover 6% of Earth’s surface, but they’re home to 40% of all plant and animal species. 50% of North America’s bird species depend on wetlands for survival. 80% of protected birds rely on wetlands. Protecting and restoring wetland habitats are key to maintaining wading bird populations.
What are wetland wading birds?
Wetland wading birds are known for standing or walking through still or moving water to feed. You’ll know them by their long legs, toes, necks, and bills. They can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Their long toes and legs improve their stability. This helps them forage in shallow or deep water. They have long bills that come in various shapes depending on their diets. Their necks are long and powerful and often form the letter “S”. Males and females look similar to one another. Some wading birds develop beautiful plumes or colorations during their breeding season.
Many also display elaborate courtship behaviors. Wading birds rely on wetlands for food, breeding, rest, and more. The most common birds in this family include herons, egrets, cranes, storks, spoonbills, and ibises. I’ve been lucky enough to photograph many of these birds in the wild. I’m excited to share these images from my personal portfolio with you.
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill cranes are large wading birds. Their length is 34-48 inches and their wingspan is 78-80 inches. When you see these birds flying overhead, they appear massive. They’re tall, gray birds with splashes of rusty-colored feathers and dark wingtips. They look like they have a painted face. With a red mask from their forehead to the top of their bill. Below that, they’re white from their cheeks to their throat. They have yellow or orange eyes that pop against the crimson of their crowns. Their bills and legs are black. Sandhill cranes are some of the most breathtaking birds I’ve ever seen. Their distinct call sounds like a trilling trumpet, and it is loud!
Sandhill crane subspecies are found year round in parts of Florida. Migratory sandhill cranes visit wetlands and prairies across North America. They breed in open wetlands that trees or shrubs surround. They’ll eat insects, seeds, grains, berries, tubers, snails, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and even other birds. They prefer to nest on the ground in isolated wetlands. Sandhill cranes are known for elegant courtship dances. They’ll stretch their wings, bob their heads, bow, and leap into the air. All while calling to one another.
These beautiful birds will mate for life. I used to have a bonded pair that foraged through my backyard every day when I lived in Florida. I was lucky to see them raise many chicks into adulthood. It always felt so special. Regulating bodies consider sandhill cranes of “low conservation concern”. But some subspecies in Mississippi and Florida are vulnerable. Habitat loss and human development threaten these sandhill cranes.
Great Egret
Great egrets are large wading birds. Their length ranges from 35-41 inches. Their wingspans range from 52-57 inches. They’re tall, white birds with black legs. They have yellow eyes and a bright green patch around the base of their yellow bills. During the breeding season, they’ll develop dramatic, wispy white plumes on their backs. Nineteenth century fashion nearly caused their extinction. 95% of great egrets in North America were killed for their plumage. Then their feathers were used to decorate hats. Great egrets inspired some of the first conservation laws to protect birds. Plume hunting was banned in 1910, and their populations have since recovered.
Great egrets live year round in Florida and the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Some birds will migrate over much of the US during the summer. They inhabit freshwater, saltwater, and brackish wetlands. Their diet consists mostly of small fish. But they’ll hunt other small prey: amphibians, reptiles, mammals, insects, shellfish, and even other birds.
Males will build a nest platform before pairing up with a mate. Once paired, they’ll complete their nest together. Males will perform elaborate courtship displays. They bend and stretch their necks, pointing their bill to the sky. Then they’ll raise their plumage around them like a fan and shake. Great egrets rely on wetlands for survival. They’re a species of low conservation concern. But they’re still vulnerable to pollution, heat waves, and habitat loss.
Great Blue Heron
Great blue herons are the largest of all North American herons. Their length ranges from 38-54 inches, and their wingspans range from 66 -79 inches. Their coloration is blue-gray. They have a thick navy stripe over their eyes. It ends in a wispy plume and navy-colored wingtips. They have mottled navy stripe patterns down their throat and bellies. Their eyes and beak are yellow to orange. During the breeding season, their necks and backs develop shaggy plumage.
You can find great blue herons year round across most of the US. They’ll inhabit both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. Their diet includes most small prey: fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, insects and even other birds. They have excellent night vision. This allows them to hunt day or night.
They breed in colonies in isolated swamps, islands, or near forested lakes and ponds. They build stick nests in treetops, bushes, or mangroves. Males will gather sticks and present them to the females. The females will then place the sticks in the nest. Courtship and pair-bonding include stretching their neck up and pointing their bill to the sky. They’ll also raise their plumes and clap their bill tips together. Great blue herons depend on wetlands for survival. Their populations are considered stable, and they’re of low conservation concern. But they’re also still vulnerable to habitat loss and heat waves.
Tricolored Heron
Tricolored herons are medium-sized wading birds. Their length ranges from 24-30 inches, and their wingspans are 37 inches. Their coloration is a mix of violet and dark blue on their head, wings, and neck. Tricolored herons have a white underbelly. They can have pink or yellow legs, and they have a reddish eye. Their bills are often a duo-tone of dark gray and yellow. Breeding tricolored herons develop white plumes at the back of their necks and a bright blue patch around their bills. They also develop shaggy feathers on their backs.
You can find tricolored herons year round in Florida and the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They live in swamps, coastal estuaries, marshes, mangroves, and the edges of rivers or lakes. Their diet consists mostly of small fish. Tricolored herons sometimes bend forward and create an umbrella by holding their wings over their head. This shade attracts small fish right to them. They’ll stalk, chase, or patiently wait to strike their prey.
Tricolored herons nest in colonies with other wading birds for safety. Males pick the nesting spot. They prefer islands with tall shady trees or shrubs. Males will gather the nesting materials. Females build the nest. Their courtship displays include neck stretching, deep bowing, and flying in circles. Tricolored herons depend on wetlands and other waterways for survival. Their populations are stable but they’re of high conservation concern. In Florida, they’re considered threatened due to a 75% decrease in breeding pairs. They are vulnerable to heat waves, heavy rains, sea level rise, and human development.
Roseate Spoonbill
Roseate spoonbills are medium-sized wetland wading birds. They’re the only species of spoonbills found in the Americas. Their length ranges from 28-34 inches, and their wingspans range from 47-51 inches.
Roseate spoonbills are visually striking birds. They have a white head and neck with bright red eyes. From the top of their back to their underbelly, they’re a gradient hue of blush to bright pink. The tops of their wings and tails are a magnificent magenta. Their legs are pink, too. At a distance, you may even mistake them for the most famous pink wading bird: the flamingo. Their long bills are shaped like a spoon and give them a mythical creature quality. As they age, they lose the feathers at the top of their heads.
Roseate spoonbills are found year round in Central and Southern Florida and the Gulf Coast of Texas. They inhabit freshwater, saltwater, and brackish wetlands from mangroves to forested swamps. Their diet consists of shrimp, prawns, aquatic insects, and fish. Scientists believe the carotenoids in crustaceans help roseate spoonbills develop their pink color. They’ll sweep their bills through shallow water to feed.
They nest in colonies with other wading birds for safety. Males will present females with sticks once they’ve paired up. They will hold the sticks in their bill and shake them at the females to get their attention. Roseate spoonbills need healthy wetlands to survive. They’re a species of low conservation concern. But they’re vulnerable to spring heat waves, heavy rainfall, sea level rise, and human development.
Final thoughts on wetland wading birds
These are just a few of the spectacular wetland wading birds you can find in the Southern US. I hope that by learning more about wading birds, you realize how important it is to protect the places they call home. We have something in common with these birds. We all need healthy wetlands to thrive. When we protect wetlands, we’re protecting more than wading bird habitat. We’re protecting our communities. From increasing storms. From a changing climate. We’re protecting our clean water.
Take action for wetland wading birds
Many US wetlands are unregulated, so they’re at risk. That means wetlands near you may be polluted, filled, or dredged without consequence. Most of these wetland wading birds are considered low conservation concern. But we’ve got to make sure it stays that way.
Ask your state lawmakers to enact laws that protect wetlands. Migrating wetland wading birds depend on wetlands for survival.
Let’s take our concerns to the federal level! Urge Congress to increase protections for all wetlands, rivers, streams, and lakes.
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