This smallish heron is the only one of the heron species in which there is a dramatic difference in coloration of the first-year and the adult birds: first-year birds are pure white. The adult averages about two feet in height. The body of the adult is dark slate blue and the head and neck are a dark purplish or maroon. The bill varies from blue to gray with a black tip. One of the most numerous herons in the southeast United States. Unlike the egrets and the Great Blue Heron, it has no fancy plumes. The three photos above were photographed in Lake County, Florida. The two below were taken on Sanibel Island, Florida.