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 →
Closest Relatives at San Lorenzo Protected Forest
Snowy Egret
Egretta thula
Tricolored Heron
Egretta tricolor
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibis
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
Great Egret
Ardea alba
Rufescent Tiger Heron
Tigrisoma lineatum
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
Fasciated Tiger Heron
Tigrisoma fasciatum
Boat-billed Heron
Cochlearius cochlearius
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
Bare-throated Tiger Heron
Tigrisoma mexicanum
Green Ibis
Mesembrinibis cayennensis
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 San Lorenzo Protected Forest?
About 40% of wildlife watchers report a Little Blue Heron sighting in San Lorenzo Protected Forest, based on 49 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Little Blue Heron in San Lorenzo Protected Forest?
November has the highest sighting rate for Little Blue Heron in San Lorenzo Protected Forest in our monthly data.