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Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
{Species
Archive Index}
Photo: Lee School Board Env. Education
Body-
blue-gray 24”, juveniles; white
Bill Description-blue with black tip, sharp
Leg Color- green (adult); yellow (juvenile)
Other Characteristics- black breeding plumes
Status- throughout Florida, State listed:
Special Concern
Decline due to wetland losses and possible
competition with Cattle Egrets for nest sites.
Reproduction-3 light blue eggs, laid on a
stick platform
Distribution-Atlantic Coast
to New Jersey,
Florida thru Mississippi Valley.
Habitat-freshwater swamps, coastal thickets
Diet-small fish, frogs, invertebrates
Call- mostly silent, alarm squawks, nesting
croaks
Fun facts -stalker, eats more insects than
larger herons
-holds neck in an "S" curve at rest and in flight
-colonies, courtship displays, males start building nest
-one year molting produces "calico" blue/white birds
{Species
Archive Index}
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