LITTLE BLUE HERON 
200. Florida caerulea. 22 in. 
Tlead and neck, maroon; rest of plumage slaty-blue; 
plumes on back of head, breast and on the back; eyes 
yellow; bill and feet greenish. Young birds are white, 
usually with a tinge of bluish on the forehead and ends 
of the wings. They can be distinguished from the simi- 
lar Snowy Herons by the greenish-black legs, while the 
legs of the latter are black with yellow feet. These 
little herons are resident and most abundant in the 
South Atlantic and Gulf States. They are at home in 
and enjoy the rankest and most impenetrable swamps, 
where only birds or reptiles can tread with safety. 
Yet herons are an interesting group and, in their own 
way, perform useful service to mankind by destroying 
quantities of reptiles, insects and mice. 
Nest.—The nesting habits and eggs of this species are 
the same as those of the little Snowy Heron and the 
egos cannot be distinguished with certainty. 
Range.—Breeds north to Virginia and Illinois; later 
may stray north to New England. 
