The great blue heron is fairly common all year throughout most of California, in shallow estuaries and fresh and saline emergent wetlands. Less common along riverine and rocky marine shores, in croplands, pastures, and in mountains above foothills. Locally common near rookeries February to June or July. Grasps prey in bill, rarely impaling.
Parents regurgitate food for nestlings.
Also perches on kelp beds offshore. No additional information found. Courtship and nest-building begin shortly thereafter, and eggs are laid in late February or March. Incubation lasts about 28 days. Semi-altricial, downy young are cared for by both parents.