Little Blue Herons

Distribution / Range

It breeds from the Gulf states of the USA through Central America and the Caribbean south to Peru and Uruguay.

It is a resident breeder in most of its range, but some northern breeders migrate to the southeastern USA or beyond in winter. There is post-breeding dispersal to well north of the nesting range, as far as the border between the US and Canada.

Breeding / Nesting

The Little Blue Heron’s breeding habitat is sub-tropical swamps. It nests in colonies, often with other herons, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. 3-7 light blue eggs are laid.

Description

This species is about 60 cm long, with a 102 cm wingspan, and weighs 325 g. It is a medium-large, long-legged, heron with a long pointed blue or greyish bill with a black tip.

Breeding adult birds have blue-grey plumage except for the head and neck, which are purplish and have long blue filamentous plumes. The legs and feet are dark blue. Males and females look alike back.

Non-breeding adults have dark blue heads neck plumage and paler legs. Young birds are all white except for dark wing tips and have yellowish legs. They gradually acquire blue plumage as they mature.

Diet / Feeding

The Little Blue Heron stalks its prey methodically in shallow water, often running as it does so. It eats fish, crustaceans, and insects.

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