Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

The Little Blue Heron, until recently was only known to breed from the Gulf states of the USA through Central America and the Caribbean south to Peru and Uruguay. In the past few years (since the 1980’s) it has been found year round and breeding in San Diego.

During their first year, the Little Blue Heron is white, which seems to help it blend in with groups of Snowy Egrets. As it begins its second year it develops blue-gray blotches, which has been called a “calico” phase. As an adult, its blue-gray and purple coloration gives it a striking appearance. During the early 20th century, when the millinery trade nearly exterminated many of the white herons and egrets so ladies could have pretty hats, the Little Blue Herons were spared because their feathers were not in demand.

Little Blue Heron - Egretta caerulea — **Little Blue Heron**
*(Egretta caerulea)*

**Description:**
Calico sub-adult at the Famosa Slough. Northern Point Loma, San Diego, California.
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**Date Taken:** 2012:07:13 7:50

**Location:**

Famosa Slough
San Diego, California
United States
13.12 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/250

**File Name:** D3X3984-LittleBlueHeron-Juvenile

© 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com

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Pin It — **Little Blue Heron**
*(Egretta caerulea)*

**Description:**
Calico sub-adult at the Famosa Slough. Northern Point Loma, San Diego, California.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2012:07:13 7:50

**Location:**

Famosa Slough
San Diego, California
United States
13.12 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/250

**File Name:** D3X3984-LittleBlueHeron-Juvenile

© 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com

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