Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
Silhouette: L. Shyamal · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPelecaniformes (Pelicans, Herons, Ibises, and Allies)
- FamilyArdeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
- GenusEgretta (Small Egrets and Herons)
- SpeciesEgretta caerulea (Little Blue Heron)
About the Little Blue Heron
The little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) 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.
They have a range that encompasses much of the Americas, from the United States to northern South America. Some populations are migratory. They can be found in both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems. Their preference for either one depends on where they live.
Nesting behaviors are documented by numerous sources. The adults build nests in trees, in colonies with other bird species. The number of eggs laid varies from place to place. The young mature quickly, requiring little attention from adults after about nineteen days of age. Both young and adults are sometimes preyed on by other species. Adults hunt fish, crabs, and other small animals. As with clutch sizes, diet can vary regionally.
The population of E. caerulea is declining. Many possible reasons for this have been proposed. Exposure to heavy metals has been found to have detrimental effects on young birds. The little... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Little Blue Heron in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
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Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Little Blue Heron in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge?
About 30% of wildlife watchers report a Little Blue Heron sighting in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, based on 424 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Little Blue Heron in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge?
January has the highest sighting rate for Little Blue Heron in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge in our monthly data.