Habitat: This species can be found near freshwater sources such as marshes and along rivers. Distribution: Species reported from eastern United States and Mexico to Peru and central Brazil and the Greater Antilles. Natural History Notes: Conservation status according to IUCN 2008 Red list: Least Concern (LC). Characteristics: The total length of this species varies between 24 inches and 26 inches (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). This beautiful heron has a long thin neck and a long slim bill. The coloration of the bill is usually yellowish to pale blue and a dark tip. The legs are olive. The above plumage is bluish with brown scapular (near shoulder) feathers that can cover a part of the back. The throat, the foreneck, the rump and the belly are white.