If you want to see a little blue heron in its natural habitat, head to the swamps, tidal flats, and lake marshes of the US Gulf Coast, the Caribbean Islands, and Central America—and bring your patience. These herons keep a low profile, and often sit so still while hunting, they can be hard to spot. The adults develop deep blue plumage, sometimes sporting purple feathers on their heads, and tiptoe around the shoreline on green legs. The chicks are born snowy white, which scientists suggest is a survival adaptation to help them blend in with cattle egrets and snowy egrets—both species with bright white feathers—to enjoy the added safety of being in a large group.
A little blue
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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In the Navajo Nation for Code Talkers Day
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It s aboat time for the Barcolana
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Celestial Spain
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The Vestibule at Diocletian s Palace, Split, Croatia
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Marine Day in Japan
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A view from the top
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Who s hiding in the kelp?
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Mount Hood, Oregon
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Winter solstice
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AAPI Heritage Month & Lei Day
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Prayer flags in Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
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A whale of a hug
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Meandering through Patagonia
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Leap day
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Happy birthday, Saguaro National Park
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Al-Khazneh in Petra, Jordan
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1, 1, 2, 3: It s Fibonacci Day!
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Seven Magic Mountains art installation, Jean Dry Lake, Nevada
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Back to the nest
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Bidding summer adieu
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A species worth defending
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Vietnam’s new bridge deserves a big hand
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A hermitage with a view
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Boating on the Bojo
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Best. Holiday. Ever.
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What kind of bird laid these eggs?
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Here, fishy!
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Cheers! It’s National Wine Day
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Put your flippers in the air…
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Let s crack the code