Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea Apr–Sep

A tiny heron with very different coloration depending on its age. Juveniles are white with gray-green legs and skin patch near the eyes, while the adults have a maroon head and neck with a dark gray body. Both have a bicolor bill, which is dark at the tip and lighter closer to the head. The juveniles can often be found mixed in with egrets, since foraging with other birds makes it easier to find food and gives them protection from predators. It is believed the other species are more tolerant of this heron at this stage in its development due to its similar coloration.