Little Blue Heron
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.