Are there white herons? This is something many people wonder especially after seeing a tall all-white bird. The answer is yes! And here’s a fast introduction to them.
A White Color Morph
Most people are familiar with the great blue heron, a large predatory and regal-looking water bird. The great blue is one of the most common heron species in the United States. However, there is also a lesser-known white phase or morph of the great blue.
It is an all-white bird known as the great white heron. This is not considered a separate species. Despite its totally white plumage, the great white heron typically has the same characteristics as the great blue. Although it does have a slightly different bill morphology and a bit of a bigger build.
A Southern Resident
While the great blue heron can be found for the most part over the majority of northern and Central America, one of the more interesting great white heron facts is that their range is much more restricted. In the continental United States, white herons reside only in the southern part of Florida.
So unless you live in this area or close by it’s unlikely that the white bird stealing fish from your backyard pond is actually a great white heron. It may be a great egret though since these two species do look similar. The great white heron also inhabits the Caribbean islands along with the Yucatan peninsula in southeastern Mexico.
Temporarily White
There is another heron species that can be all-white although it is only white temporarily. The little blue heron has all-white plumage for around the first year of its life. When it gets older, its color changes to blue. This is believed to help the younger birds’ ability to find food.
It allows them to forage alongside snowy egrets and other herons which typically tend to chase away the older darker colored herons. And because their color allows them to be accepted into these larger flocks it also provides them with the relative safety of the group as well.
Start Shopping for Birding Supplies!
What Do Crows Eat?
With roughly 40 different species, crows are a common sight in most places around the world. And while most of us are familiar with their appearance and harsh vocalizations, their diet is not as obvious. So what do crows eat? Here's what you'll want to know. What Do...
What Are Crows Good For?
Crows are widely considered to be pests. However, these large and highly intelligent black birds actually serve quite a few important functions in the environment. So what are crows good for? Here's what you'll want to know. Pest And Parasite Management Crows are...
How Long Do Swans Live?
Swans are graceful and beautiful creatures and as such, people have many questions about them. They want to know about their mating rituals, their diet, their preferred habitats, and even their lifespans. How long do swans live for anyway? Swan lifespans actually vary...
Are Crows Good Pets?
People all around the world see and hear crows on a daily basis. Although these intelligent and dark birds are practically ubiquitous, most people don't think of them as being household pets. Are crows good pets? The general consensus is that crows do not make...
Are There Crows In Australia?
Crows are remarkably smart birds that also happen to be extremely adaptable. They navigate unfamiliar circumstances via observation and interaction. Crows reside in locations all over the globe. While they do not live in certain parts of South America, they do reside...
What Do Swans Eat?
Swans are famously long-necked birds that are symbols of romance, love, beauty, and purity. Since these waterbirds have so many admirers, people often wonder about their eating habits, behaviors, and more. What do swans eat, anyway? Swan Basics Swans typically live in...
Birds That Look Like Owls
Owls are typically solitary and mainly nocturnal birds. And although these well-known hooting creatures have a rather distinctive physical appearance, there are actually various other kinds of birds that resemble owls closely. And people sometimes mix them up. So...
Why Are Swans Protected?
Swans are graceful and gorgeous creatures. They also happen to have protection in the United Kingdom, interestingly enough. Why are swans protected there, anyway? And does the Queen own all the swans? Yes, she actually owns any mute swans that are unclaimed in both...
Birds With Teeth
Birds do not have teeth. However, there are quite a few that really look like they do! These birds have evolved special beaks which help them to perform important functions. So here are some of the most amazing birds with “teeth,” and what you’ll want to know about...
Do Geese Fly?
Although geese are clearly birds, there are many individuals who do not necessarily associate them with flying. So, do geese fly? The honest answer is that these waterfowl do. They do not exactly slouch in the flying department, either. Many people are pleasantly...
Are Geese Dangerous?
Geese, in brief, are waterbirds that are quite substantial in size. Since they're often spotted on golf courses, at schools, and in community parks, people understandably tend to wonder whether they're safety threats. Are geese dangerous? Why Geese Attack...
Do Swans Mate For Life?
Swans are famously elegant waterbirds that are known for their sizable bodies, webbed feet, and lengthy necks. People often associate them with romantic imagery and monogamy. Do swans mate for life? You can find the response to that common and rather fascinating...
When Do Cicada Killers Come Out?
Whether you dread them each year or are waiting for them to emerge and control the cicada population you may be wondering, “When do cicada killers come out? The answer is they come out each summer in late June or July. Here’s what you’ll want to know. Cicada Killer...
Are Cicada Killers Dangerous?
One look at one of these huge wasps buzzing around, your yard, and it’s only natural to ask, “Are cicada killers dangerous?” Fortunately, these wasps are mild-mannered. But here’s what you’ll want to know. Cicada Killer Wasps Basics Cicada killers emerge from the...
What Are Black Swans?
What are black swans? Black swans (Cygnus atratus) are sizable waterbirds. This species primarily appears in Australia's southwestern and southeastern portions. The black swan is nomadic in its homeland. This bird, true to its name, is mostly black. Although the bird...
What Do Cicada Killers Eat When There Are No Cicadas?
What do cicada killers eat when there are no cicadas? Well, while cicada killer wasps do hunt cicadas, the adults don’t actually eat them or kill them, their young do. Read on to learn more! The Cicada Killer Diet While you may have seen cicada killer wasps flying...
Do Cicada Killer Wasps Sting?
As one of the biggest species of wasp in North America the cicada killer wasp can be intimidating. And because of their size, appearance, and scary-sounding name, many people wonder, “Do cicada killer wasps sting? The answer is yes and no, and here’s what you’ll want...
Emu Facts
Did you know? One emu egg can make an omelet that can feed up to six adults. Did you know that the emu is the only bird with calf muscles? Can an emu walk backward? Let us find out by exploring some of the most jaw-dropping emu facts. Emus Have Amazingly Powerful Legs...
Rhea Facts
Doting dads, did you know the male rhea builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and takes care of the young? The rheas are paragons of parental care. It’s a bird like no other, and you will be surprised by the following rhea facts. Rheas Are One Of The Best Dads In The...
