Little Blue Heron

Like its name, this heron is smaller than the Great Blue Heron. It's a medium size about 2 ft. tall. It nests in colonies in swamps or marshes and is usually found along saltwater or freshwater coastlines.

The Little Blue Heron is unusual as it starts life as a pure white heron, changing to its blue plumage as it matures. While changing, it is mottled with some parts still white as you see on this young heron's neck and belly.

Many of these herons have an all dark blue neck and back. An alternate form, like this one, has a chestnut color on the neck along with shaggy neck plumes.

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