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!
How Does A Heron Catch Fish?
The great blue heron is well-known for its looks but also its fish-catching abilities. Whether in the wild or someone’s backyard pond these large birds are master hunters. So how does a heron catch fish? Here’s what you’ll want to know. Built For Success While herons...
What Direction Should A Bat House Face?
Buy on Amazon Bats are very particular when it comes to whether or not they will move into a bat house. One of the most important factors is the temperature inside, which will be strongly influenced by the direction that the house is facing. So what direction should a...
When To Put Up A Bat House
Buy on Amazon Bats can be a big benefit to your yard. But they can be picky when it comes to where they actually decide to roost. Knowing when to put up a bat house can help to tip the odds in your favor. Basic Seasonal Bat Behavior Many people don’t realize that in...
Bat Attractant: The Secret Weapon For Bat House Success
Buy on Amazon Purchasing a bat house is easy, however, having a colony of bats take up residence inside it is sometimes another story. To tip the odds in your favor using bat attractant can help. Here’s what you’ll want to know when considering using it. Bat House...
How To Attract Bats To Your Bat House
Buy on Amazon Having bats in your yard offers many fantastic benefits. So it’s no wonder that more and more people are installing bat houses in an attempt to get them to stay. However, you’ll first need to know how to attract bats to your bat house if you want them to...
The Buzz About Bee Gardens
Chances are if you’ve been paying even a little bit of attention, you’ve heard about the “beepocalypse.” Depending on the source, you’ve likely seen varying levels of concern. While some experts are simply following the phenomenon, others are downright alarmed....
What Does A Bat House Look Like?
Buy on Amazon Bat houses are shelters made specifically for bats. These flying mammals have special needs that houses are designed to meet. So what does a bat house look like? Well, read on and find out! Bat House Designs Houses for bats actually look like boxes. For...
What Is A Bat House?
Buy on Amazon What is a bat house? And better yet, why would you want one on your property? These are both commonly asked questions. Whether you’re just curious or have always wanted to have bats in your yard here’s what you’ll need to know. Bats are nocturnal...
The Top Bat House Benefits
Buy on Amazon A bat house is a specially designed shelter for bats. It provides them with a safe and convenient place to sleep. While they are great for the bats, there are many bat house benefits you can enjoy as well when you have one in your yard. Keep Bats Out Of...
Where To Put A Bat House
Buy on Amazon Where to put a bat house is an important decision. If it’s not in an appropriate spot, you may be putting your resident bats in danger. Or you may end up with an empty house since no bats are interested in living in it. So you’ll need to know a few...
Beneficial Garden Insects And Creatures Often Confused For Pests
There are many animals that we consider to be pests. However, many of them actually perform critical tasks and help to control the populations of much more devastating species. The following beneficial insects and creatures are ones you’ll want to keep around....