Green Heron in December
Where green herons are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the Green Heron's year
December is the start of the true winter season. Birds are settled into winter ranges and flocking behavior peaks — mixed flocks move through woods and yards together, and feeding stations become social hubs. Short days mean birds must find most of their food in a few hours of daylight.
For the Green Heron specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 46 states and provinces where green herons occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where green herons are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- year-round resident
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, green herons are absent in the South, year-round resident across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in December
Green herons are not nesting in December. The season runs April–July at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, green herons put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in December
- Fish in mild climates; most migrate
One of few birds that uses bait — it drops insects or twigs on the water to lure fish.
Feeders are busiest at dawn and dusk as birds fuel up against long cold nights. Suet and other high-fat foods earn their keep this month.
Full Green Heron diet guide → · Best feeder for green herons →
Watching green herons this month
Green herons are settled and predictable in December, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region green herons are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Green Heron month by month
Green Heron by state
Frequently asked
Where are green herons in December?
In December, green herons are absent in the South, year-round resident across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do green herons nest in December?
No — green herons typically nest April through July at mid-latitudes.
What do green herons eat in December?
Fish in mild climates; most migrate.
Sources
- Green Heron — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Green Heron life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Green Heron — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.