Egretta caerulea

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Little blue heron
French : Aigrette bleue

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Ardeidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a length of 76 cm for a weight up to 460 g and a wingspan of 106 cm. Dark grey-blue plumage, becoming purplish on neck and head. Dark bill with blue cere. Black legs. Juveniles are white with dark bill and legs.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in coastal areas of eastern USA, from Maine to Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Islands, central America and coasts of South America. Lives in lakes, swamps, rivers, flooded grasslands, coastal habitats, to 3000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is globally common within its range although the true status of its populations is difficult to assess. Local declines and increases noted.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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