photo by Phil Swanson

Egretta caerulea
L 24″ (76 cm) W 46″ (117″).

Song or calls:
Usually silent but does utter a low, croaking or clucking sound.

Description: Sexes similar. Nonbreeding adults slate blue overall, head and neck dark purple; legs and feet dull green; thicker two-tone bill with gray base and dark tip. Immature white overall with blue-gray tail feathers; dull yellow legs and feet.

Habitat: Associated with wet meadows, shallow marshes, lakes and rivers.

Where in Nebraska: Uncommon regular spring and fall migrant in central and eastern Nebraska. In western Nebraska, a rare casual spring and fall migrant and summer visitor.

Field Notes: Typical sightings are of a solitary individual in mid to late summer.

Fun Facts: Young Little Blue Herons have white plumage for up to a year.

 
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