Little Blue Heron color changes

Posted on 2012/04/15 by birds n' bugs

I found a Little Blue Heron – Egretta caerulea in Ponce de Leon Park this afternoon. It was showing full mating colors with a brilliant patch of blue before it’s eyes. Once mating season is over this will fade to a more normal color. Just click on the images for a larger view.

When young, Little Blue Herons are actually white and are often confused with Snowy Egrets which are about the same size. The gradually go through a dappled phase as their blue coloring comes in.

About birds n' bugs

Retired, living in SW Florida and spending my time at nature photography in my local area. I volunteer with a couple of local organizations to help my adopted home town. Travelling is now by airplane and car instead of a sailboat but happy anyway.

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5 Responses to Little Blue Heron color changes

Rich Cavanagh says:

2016/05/13 at 10:24

What about any beak color changes? I have been following one who had a yellowish beak. Others seem to have a blueish beak. Is this actually a different bird, or does maturation also bring changes in beak color?

Reply
- birds n' bugs says:
  
  2016/05/13 at 13:11
  
  The one with a yellow beak is probably a Snowy Egret. It should also have yellow feet over black legs
  
  Reply
  - Rich Cavanagh says:
    
    2016/05/15 at 15:05
    
    Thanks for the reply. But nope – not a Snowy Egret. It’s all blue. Is there a way for me to post a photo here?
  - birds n' bugs says:
    
    2016/05/15 at 16:05
    
    Could it have been a tricolored heron? There is an image of one at https://birdsnbugs.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/another-visit-to-the-the-venice-rookery/
    
    I don’t know of any way to post an image other than in the blog myself.
  - Rich Cavanagh says:
    
    2016/05/15 at 17:53
    
    Yes, that is it!!!! Thanks!