Laura Erickson's For the Birds

This medium-sized heron lacks the “aigrettes” that put so many relatives in jeopardy due to the craze for feathered hats in the 1800s and early 1900s. Young birds are white, which may reduce attacks by the more aggressive Snowy Egrets. These white first-year birds also are more successful at catching fish when hunting in groups with Snowy Egrets. They nest in mixed rookeries with other waders.

Like other herons, Little Blues sometimes wander well north of their breeding range.