The Little Blue HeronEgretta caerulea is common in southeastern U.S. and a year around inhabitant of the costal areas. It has an all slate blue plumage and slightly purple around the neck (see 3495). It is distinctly smaller than the Great Blue Heron. The bill is bicolored – dark to black at the distal half and blue at the proximal half.
White little blue herons often mingle with snowy egrets. The snowy egret tolerates their presence more than little blue herons in adult plumage. These young birds actually catch more fish when in the presence of the snowy egret and also gain a measure of protection from predators when they mix into flocks of white herons. It is plausible that because of these advantages, they remain white for their first year
These were photographed at four different places in Florida: Hulamay Preserve (2967-75); Oscar Scherer State Park (23323-26), ‘Ding’ Darling NWR (3495-3655) and flying in the everglades (0909). 0408, 2217, and 9551 were taken in Costa Rice. The 100 series photos were taken in Tobago.