©Delores J. Knowles 2008 -- Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) This smallish heron is the only one of the heron species in which there is a dramatic difference in coloration of the first-year and the adult birds: first-year birds are pure white. The body of the adult is dark slate blue and the head and neck are a dark purplish or maroon. The bill varies from blue to gray with a black tip. The adult averages about two feet in height. This little heron is found all along the eastern coast of the United States and is also found in abundance in South America. It eats more insects that the larger herons who prefer seafood. Unlike the egrets, it has no fancy plumes and so was spared by the plume hunters. Photographed on Sanibel Island, Florida.
5 of 26 Comments Show All 26 Comments
Karie Goffic 20 Feb 2008
wow, awesome photo, absolutely love this!Betty Fletcher 30 Jan 2008
Wow what a shot!! Absolutely gorgeous! BettyBarry Huyett 25 Jan 2008
great shot...perfect pose!!!cynthia berridge 25 Jan 2008
superb shot and what a beautiful birdAlberto D'Assumpcao 25 Jan 2008
Splendid image and colours, Delores!