Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in ponds, lakes, streams, swamps, marshes, and other fresh-water habitats (A.O.U. 1998).
Distribution: Breeds locally, within an area extending from Mexico and Baja California north to southern California, north-central Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, southern Georgia, and the Atlantic coast north to Maine. Generally winters in southwestern California, Mexico, along the Gulf coast, and along the Atlantic coast north to Virginia (A.O.U. 1998). Post-breeding dispersal in late summer and early fall results in birds appearing at inland locations far north of their breeding range.
Field Marks: Overall dark, slate blue color in adult; during breeding season, reddish tint to head. Bicolored bill. Immatures are mostly white, but in second year take on a pied appearance during the molt to the adult plumage.
Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons. Nest is placed up to 40 feet high in bush or tree and consists of a platform of sticks.
Eggs: 1-6, usually 2-5; 44 millimeter; pale bluish-green in color.
Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation usually lasts about 20-23 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 42-49 days old.
