A small slate-blue heron with maroon-purple neck (adults). Juveniles are pure white. Stalks prey slowly through shallow water.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The little blue heron is a small heron of the genus Egretta. It is a small, darkly colored heron with a two-toned bill. Juveniles are entirely white, bearing resemblance to the snowy egret. During the breeding season, adults develop different coloration on the head, legs, and feet.
Source: Wikipedia — Little blue heron Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Adult slate-blue with a purplish-maroon head and neck and a bicolored bill (pale blue base, dark tip); juveniles all white with dull greenish legs.
Similar species. White juveniles suggest Snowy Egret, but Snowy has a black bill, black legs, and yellow feet; the Little Blue juvenile has a pale-based bill and greenish legs.
Voice. A low, throaty croak when flushed; generally quiet.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Fish, amphibians, small reptiles, occasional small mammals.
Behavior. A small dark heron of wooded swamps and marshes that stalks prey slowly in the shallows; remarkably, juveniles are pure white and only gradually molt to the dark adult plumage.
§ Range
Southeastern US and along coasts
§ Habitat
Marshes, swamps, river edges
§ Threats
Coastal wetland loss, water-quality decline.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the little blue heron is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support wetland protection. Reduce water pollution. Maintain coastal habitats.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Little blue heron
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Egretta caerulea
- IUCN Red List — search for Egretta caerulea
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Egretta caerulea
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
