ML644367295

Observation details

Adult right at the observation deck. An odd bird. We debated between various hybrid combinations involving Little Blue Heron, likely either Snowy Egret or Tricolored Heron. It's also possible that it's an exceptionally bright old juvenile Little Blue with an odd face pattern. The plumage is most like a Little Blue, and the behavior matched this. However, the lores were brighter yellow-green than is typical, and the pale lines around the face were also unusual. The patchy white around the body might be because of retained juvenile feathers, or could be signs of hybridization. The bill shape and color does seem fairly normal for a Little Blue. Not entirely sure what to make of it.