Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Usually found in coastal marshes, but also more locally further inland in swamps, lakes, and rivers (A.O.U. 1998).
Distribution: Breeds in coastal habitats of Baja California, Mexico, the Gulf coast, Florida, and the Atlantic coast north to Maine; also at inland locations in New Mexico, Texas, and Arkansas. Generally winters within its breeding range along the coast; on the Atlantic coast, winters north to about New Jersey (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: Head, most of neck, back, and wings generally a dark blue color. White underneath, including foreneck.
Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, sometimes in association with other herons. Nest is placed on the ground or, more typically, up to 15-30 feet high in shrub or tree; nest consists of a platform of sticks and twigs lined with grass and leaves.
Eggs: 3-7, usually 3-4; 44 millimeter; pale bluish-green in color.
Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation usually lasts about 21-25 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 35 days old.
