Critters of the Week

This is the 100th posting of Critters of the Week. I hope you’ve enjoyed the posts and of course all the critters.

Where Spotted: Monkey Island (on the border of Virginia and North Carolina) One was spotted at Tuckahoe Creek Park earlier this year.
Common Name: Little Blue Heron
Scientific Name: Egretta caerulea
Length: 22.1-29.1 in (56-74 cm)
Weight: 10.4-14.5 oz (296-412 g)
Wingspan: 39.4-41.3 in (100-105 cm)

Quick Facts Courtesy of Cornell Labs

• During the feathered-hat fashion craze of the early twentieth century, Little Blue Herons’ lack of showy “aigrette plumes” saved them from the hunting frenzy that decimated other heron and egret populations.
• Little Blue Herons may gain a survival advantage by wearing white during their first year of life. Immature birds are likelier than their blue elders to be tolerated by Snowy Egrets—and in the egrets’ company, they catch more fish. Mingling in mixed-species flocks of white herons, immature Little Blue Herons probably also acquire extra protection against predators.
• With their patchy white-and-blue appearance, Little Blue Herons in transition from the white first-year stage to blue adult plumage are often referred to as “Calico,” “Pied,” or “Piebald.”
• When observing groups of white herons and egrets foraging together, look for the slow, deliberate movements of an immature Little Blue Heron. This stately and deliberate pace helps distinguish the Little Blue Heron from its relatives, which tend to move more quickly or erratically.
• A row of built-in “teeth” along the Little Blue Heron’s middle toe serves as a grooming comb. The bird uses this handy tool to scratch its head, neck, and throat.
• The oldest known Little Blue Heron was at least 13 years, 11 months old. It was banded in 1957 in Virginia, and found in Maryland in 1971.

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Ivory at Richmond SPCA

Ivory is an adorable girl that is looking for just the right home and environment for her. If you’re interested in learning more about Ivory please contact the Richmond SPCA adoption center at 804-521-1307 or visit our humane center to meet with an adoption counselor and Ivory.

Age: 2 years, 1 month
Gender: Spayed Female
Color: Tan / Black
Size: L (dog size guide)
ID: 47640525

Adopt Ivory at Richmond SPCA

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