Little Blue Heron

Description:

The Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) is a small heron. This species is about 60 cm (24 in.) long, with a 102 cm (40 in.) wingspan, and weighs 325 g (11.5 oz/0.72 lbs). 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. Sexes are similar back. Non-breeding adults have dark blue head and neck plumage and paler legs. Young birds are all white except for dark wing tips and have dull greenish legs. They gradually acquire blue plumage as they mature. This one is in transition to the adult, hence the mottled white and blue head/neck area.

Habitat:

The Little Blue Heron's breeding habitat is sub-tropical swamps. This one was photographed at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park near Augusta, GA

Notes:

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