A Little blue heron is seen foraging for food in a mangrove, in Las Lisas beach in Santa Rosa. The little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) is a small heron of the genus Egretta. It is a small, darkly colored heron with a two-toned bill. Juveniles are entirely white, bearing resemblance to the snowy egret. During the breeding season, adults develop different coloration on the head, legs, and feet. They have a range that encompasses much of the Americas, from the United States to northern South America. Some populations are migratory. Climate change will probably cause their distribution to spread north. They can be found in both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems. Their preference for either one depends on where they live. Nesting behaviors are documented by numerous sources. The adults build nests in trees, in colonies with other bird species. The number of eggs laid varies from place to place. The young mature quickly, requiring little attention from adults after about nineteen days of age. Both young and adults are sometimes preyed on by other species. Adults hunt fish, crabs, and other small animals. As with clutch sizes, diet can vary regionally. The population of this heron is declining. Many possible reasons for this have been proposed, they could include development along coastlines, habitat disturbance, predators, pesticide exposure, and parasites.. Exposure to heavy metals has been found to have detrimental effects on young birds.

圖片編號： 342991831
拍攝者： Cduartefoto