A medium-sized wading bird in the heron family, characterized by its distinctive blue-gray, white, and reddish plumage, native to coastal and wetland environments in the Americas.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal marshes, estuaries, mangrove swamps, mudflats, shallow lagoons, and freshwater wetlands across tropical and subtropical regions of North, Central, and South America.
Ecological Role
Key predator in wetland ecosystems, controlling populations of small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates; plays crucial role in maintaining ecological balance in marine and freshwater habitats.
Morphology
SKIN COATPredominantly blue-gray plumage with white belly; reddish-brown neck and leg coloration during breeding season
LIMBS WINGSLong, thin legs for wading; wings with blue-gray and white feather coloration; capable of precise flight and hovering
HEAD SENSORYSharp, pointed bill; keen binocular vision adapted for hunting aquatic prey; long neck allowing precise striking
BODY STRUCTURESlender body, approximately 0.56-0.76 m in length, with a wingspan of 0.91-1.07 m; weight ranges from 0.25-0.40 kg
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: dobak on Flickr
