Little Blue Heron

Egretta Caerulea

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia

Abundance: Uncommon

Habitat: Wetland

Activity: Diurnal (Active during day)

A small, slate blue bird with a maroon head and neck, long green legs, and a long, blue-grey bill with a black tip. It methodically stalks it prey in shallow water, often running as it does so. Little Blue Herons can be seen in large mixed groups of herons and egrets.

Diet

Diet consists of fish, frogs, lizards, snakes, turtles, and crustaceans such as fiddler crabs, crayfish and shrimp. They also eat aquatic insects and spiders.

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Kingdom: Animalia

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Phylum: Chordata

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Class: Aves

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Order: Pelecaniformes

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Family: Ardeidae

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Genus: Egretta

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Species: Egretta caerulea

Scientific Name

Egretta Caerulea

Behavior

Little Blue Herons are not energetic birds. They will sometimes walk quickly or even run, but are usually seen walking slowly and daintily along marshes. While hunting, these birds are loners, but nest together in small or large colonies

Ecological Role

Helps control insect populations

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Habitat Types

Wetland

Geographic Distribution

They have a range that encompasses much of the Americas, from the Southern United States to northern South America. Some populations are migratory. Found along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Florida, but is most abundant along the Gulf of Mexico.

Local Abundance

Uncommon

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

Threats & Impacts

The major problem facing these birds is the loss of their wetland habitats. Little Blue Herons need clean, undisturbed wetlands for feeding and breeding. Colonies are being lost because of clear cutting of forests, and draining of ponds, lakes, and wetlands. The use of pesticides has also caused eggshell thinning.

How You Can Help

Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
Support habitat conservation efforts
Follow guidelines when observing wildlife

Additional Notes

The little blue heron is listed as a least-concern species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, although its numbers are decreasing.

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