Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: HERON, LITTLE BLUE

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: AVES

Order: PELECANIFORMES

Family: ARDEIDAE

Genus: EGRETTA

Species: CAERULEA

SubSpecies: CAERULEA

Taxonomic Authority: (LINNAEUS)

Taxonomy References: 002 , 047

Status

NONGAME
STATE RANK S3
GLOBAL RANK G5

Status References: 036 , 043 , 023

Habitat Summary

"Inhabit marshes and swampy, brushy edges of ponds, lakes and streams with shallow water."

Primary Habitat: "Wetland matrix"

References: 018 , 020 , 021 , 022

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Summer resident, more common in eastern part of state *01*."

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
ANDREW ADAIR
BARRY ATCHISON
BARTON AUDRAIN
BOLLINGER BATES
BOONE BENTON
BUCHANAN BUTLER
CALLAWAY CALDWELL
CAPE GIRARDEAU CAMDEN
CHARITON CARROLL
CHRISTIAN CARTER
CLINTON CASS
DUNKLIN CEDAR
GREENE CLARK
HENRY CLAY
HOLT COLE
JACKSON COOPER
LACLEDE CRAWFORD
LAFAYETTE DADE
LINCOLN DAVIESS
LINN DEKALB
LIVINGSTON DENT
MACON DOUGLAS
MCDONALD FRANKLIN
MISSISSIPPI GASCONADE
MONTGOMERY GENTRY
NEW MADRID GRUNDY
PEMISCOT HARRISON
PERRY HICKORY
PETTIS HOWARD
PIKE HOWELL
POLK IRON
RANDOLPH JASPER
REYNOLDS JEFFERSON
SCOTT JOHNSON
ST. CHARLES KNOX
ST. CLAIR LAWRENCE
ST. FRANCOIS LEWIS
ST. LOUIS MADISON
STODDARD MARIES
VERNON MARION
WAYNE MERCER
MILLER
MONITEAU
MONROE
MORGAN
NEWTON
NODAWAY
OREGON
OSAGE
OZARK
PHELPS
PLATTE
PULASKI
PUTNAM
RALLS
RAY
RIPLEY
SALINE
SCHUYLER
SCOTLAND
SHANNON
SHELBY
STE. GENEVIEVE
STONE
SULLIVAN
TANEY
TEXAS
WARREN
WASHINGTON
WEBSTER
WORTH
WRIGHT

References for distribution: 039 , 040 , 041 , 012 , 015 , 001 , 003 , 004 , 005 , 006 , 007 , 008 , 009 , 010 , 011 , 013 , 014 , 016 , 017

Distribution by Watersheds

Wyaconda R.
Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
North Fork from Headwaters to South Fork
South Fork from Headwaters to North Fork
Salt R.
Cuivre R.
Dardenne Creek
Miss. R. from St. Louis to River Aux Vases
Meramec R.
Big R.
Miss. R. from River Aux Vases to Ohio R.
Castor R. and Castor R. Diversion Channel
Miss R. from Ohio R. to Arkansas Border
St. John's Ditch and Blue Ditch
St. Francis R. from Headwaters to Wappapello Dam
St. Francis R. from Wappapello Dam to Arkansas Border
Little R.
Mo. R. from Nishnabotna R. to Nodaway R.
Nodaway R.
Mo.R. from Nodaway to Kansas City
Platte R.
One Hundred and Two R.
Northwest Corner of Jackson County
Grand R. from Headwaters to Shoal Creek
Thompson R.
Grand R. from Shoal Creek to MO. R.
Chariton R. from Shuteye Creek to Mo. R.
Little Chariton R.
Little Osage R.
Marmaton R.
Osage R. from Headwaters to Warsaw, MO.
Sac R.
Pomme De Terre R.
South Grand R.
Osage R. from Warsaw to Bagnell Dam
Niangua R.
Gasconade R. from Headwaters to Big Piney R.
Mo. R. from Kansas City to Little Chariton R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
Lamine R.
Blackwater R.
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.
White R. above Tablerock Dam
James R.
White R. below Tablerock Dam and Little North Fork White R.
Black R.
Spring R.
Indian Creek

Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Central Till Plains, Mississippi River Alluvial Plains, Osage Plains, Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Cedar Glades
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest
Southern Floodplain Forest
ALL

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Glaciated Plains
Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Grand River
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Big Rivers: Lower Missouri
Big Rivers: Upper Mississippi
Big Rivers: Lower Mississippi
Ozark Border
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark
Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Ozark: St. Francois Mountains
Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: White River
Ozark: Lower Ozark
Mississippi Lowlands
Mississippi Lowlands: Crowley's Ridge
Mississippi Lowlands: Lowlands
Osage Plains

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial/Aquatic" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Lacustrine
Palustrine
Riverine

Aquatic Associations:

"Lacustrine"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Aquatic bed, floating vascular"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Emergent, nonpersistent"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud"
"Palustrine", "Aquatic bed, rooted vascular"
"Palustrine", "Aquatic bed, floating vascular"
"Palustrine", "Emergent, persistent"
"Palustrine", "Forested, broad-leaved deciduous"
"Palustrine", "Forested, needle-leaved deciduous"
"Palustrine", "Scrub/shrub, broad-leaved deciduous"
"Palustrine", "Scrub/shrub, needle-leaved evergreen"
"Palustrine", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud"
"Palustrine", "Unconsolidated shore, sand"
"Palustrine", "Unconsolidated shore, organic"
"Palustrine", "Unconsolidated shore, vegetated"
"Riverine"
"Riverine, lower perennial", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud"

References for Aquatic Associations: 037 , 042 , 018 , 020 , 021 , 022

Habitat Types:

Waterhole
Wooded Riparian and Bottomland Hardwood
Swamp
Pond, Lake, Reservoir
Marsh
Permanent Stream

References for Habitat Types: 018 , 019 , 020 , 021 , 022 , 024

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Forest
Bottomland Forest
Wet-Mesic Bottomland Forest
Wet Bottomland Forest
Wetland
Marshes
Freshwater Marsh
Pond Marsh
Swamps
Swamp
Pond Swamp
Shrub Swamp
Pond Shrub Swamp

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 018 , 019 , 020 , 021 , 022 , 024

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Carnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Lepidoptera (butterflies); Larva stage
Insects Insects; Larva stage
Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies); Larva stage
Crustaceans; Juvenile stage
Hemiptera (water bugs, water boatmen, stink bugs); Not Specified
Coleoptera (beetles); Not Specified
Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Not Specified
Osteichthyes (bony fishes); Not Specified
Clupeiformes (herrings); Not Specified
Amphibians; Not Specified
Salientia (frogs, toads, peepers, tree frogs); Not Specified
Reptiles; Not Specified
Sauria (lizards, skinks); Not Specified
Arachnids (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, daddy longlegs); Not Specified
Crustaceans; Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified
Lepidoptera (butterflies); Adult Stage
Insects Insects; Adult Stage
Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies); Adult Stage

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits 018 , 021 , 022 , 026 , 027

Adult Food Habits

Coleoptera (beetles); Larva stage
Lepidoptera (butterflies); Larva stage
Salientia (frogs, toads, peepers, tree frogs); Larva stage
Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies); Larva stage
Hemiptera (water bugs, water boatmen, stink bugs); Not Specified
Neuroptera (fishflies, snakeflies, dobsonflies, lacewings, antlions); Not Specified
Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Not Specified
Osteichthyes (bony fishes); Not Specified
Clupeiformes (herrings); Not Specified
Cypriniformes (minnows, carps, suckers); Not Specified
Crustaceans; Not Specified
Malacostraca (lobster, shrimp, crayfish, crabs); Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified
Testudines (turtles); Not Specified
Sauria (lizards, skinks); Not Specified
Serpentes (snakes); Not Specified
Aquatic Insects; Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Arachnids (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, daddy longlegs); Not Specified
Siluriformes (catfishes); Not Specified
Percopsiformes (cavefishes, pirate perch, trout-perch); Not Specified
Atheriniformes (killifishes, livebearers, silversides); Not Specified
Perciformes (bass, sunfishes, perches, drums, sculpins); Not Specified
Amphibians; Not Specified
Reptiles; Not Specified
Coleoptera (beetles); Adult Stage
Salientia (frogs, toads, peepers, tree frogs); Adult Stage
Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies); Adult Stage

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 037 , 018 , 020 , 021 , 027

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

References for feeding larvae niche requirements:

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

Density of aquatic vegetation: sparse
Water depth: shallow
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: vegetated stream banks
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: borrow pit
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Isolation from humans required; should be relatively inaccessible

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 018 , 020 , 021 , 027 , 028

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

Aquatic vegetation: buttonbush (Cephalanthus)
Aquatic vegetation: willow (Salix)
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Inland wetlands: vegetated stream banks
Inland wetlands: marsh
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)

References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 030 , 032 , 018 , 020 , 021 , 027

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Aquatic vegetation: buttonbush (Cephalanthus)
Aquatic vegetation: willow (Salix)
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: vegetated stream banks
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Height of nest trees specified in comments(00580)
Dbh of nest trees specified in comments(00590)
Isolation from humans required; should be relatively inaccessible
Stumps

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 029 , 030 , 033 , 038 , 018 , 020 , 021 , 027

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Density of aquatic vegetation: sparse
Floodplain specified in comments(00220)
Floodplain wetlands: remnant wetlands
Floodplain wetlands: non-connected scour hole
Floodplain wetlands: farmed temporary
Water depth: shallow
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: vegetated stream banks
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: borrow pit
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Isolation from humans required; should be relatively inaccessible

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 044 , 045 , 018 , 020 , 021 , 027 , 028

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Density of aquatic vegetation: sparse
Floodplain specified in comments(00220)
Floodplain wetlands: remnant wetlands
Floodplain wetlands: non-connected scour hole
Floodplain wetlands: farmed temporary
Water depth: shallow
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: vegetated stream banks
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: borrow pit
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Isolation from humans required; should be relatively inaccessible

References for resting adult niche requirements: 030 , 032 , 018 , 020 , 021 , 027

Niche Requirement Summary

Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Aquatic vegetation: buttonbush (Cephalanthus)
Aquatic vegetation: willow (Salix)
Dbh of nest trees specified in comments(00590)
Density of aquatic vegetation: sparse
Floodplain specified in comments(00220)
Floodplain wetlands: farmed temporary
Floodplain wetlands: non-connected scour hole
Floodplain wetlands: remnant wetlands
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Height of nest trees specified in comments(00580)
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Inland wetlands: borrow pit
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: vegetated stream banks
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Isolation from humans required; should be relatively inaccessible
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Stumps
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Water depth: shallow

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
013 May build nest on old nest site *27*
037 Move north after breeding season before migrating south *18,31*
004 Also chases prey *27,28*
005 Feed on the ground, in mud, or in very shallow water *20*
007 Breed March-July in FL *27*. Two peaks of nesting activity - April and June *27*
014 Nest 8-15' high *30*. In ark., nest 3-15' high, average 8' *20*. In IL, nest 2-5 m high *18*. In NC, nest height average 2.25 m high *29* . In FL, nest 1.37-3.2 m high, average 2.19 m *27*. Later nests are built higher *27*
016 Outside diameter of nest 16-20", thickness of nest 6-8" *30*
017 Incubation 22-23 days *18 27,30*
018 Clutch size 3-6 *18,27,30* usually 4-5 *27,30*
022 Some breed when 1 yr old, most breed later *18*
027 Initial territory shrinks after nesting to area immediately around nest *20,27* territory is defended both vertically and horizontally *27*
026 May defend feeding territory during non-breeding season *20*
031 Mortality of nestlings 27.6% during 1st 2 weeks, mainly due to starvation *27*
033 Arrive in IL in late March or early April, leave in September *18*
099 Nest in colonies with other species of herons and egrets *18,19,20,21,22,27,29,30*. Young fledge at 6-7 weeks *34*

Life History Information

Territoriality specified in comments(026)
Territory size specified in comments(027)
Mortality rate specified in comments(031)
Migration patterns specified in comments(033)
Dispersal specified in comments(037)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: spring/summer/fall
Foraging strategy: stalking
Foraging strategy specified in comments(004)
Foraging sites: ground
Foraging sites: water
Foraging sites specified in comments(005)
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Display site: nest
Nest/den site: stumps
Nest/den site: emergent aquatic vegetation
Nest/den/spawning site tenacity specified in comments(013)
Nest height specified in comments(014)
Nest materials: twigs
Nest materials: sticks
Nest materials: leaves
Nest dimensions specified in comments(016)
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Number of broods/litter per year: one
Development of young at birth/hatching: altricial
Parental care of young: both parents
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)
Territoriality: defends breeding and nesting territory

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
013 May build nest on old nest site *27*
037 Move north after breeding season before migrating south *18,31*
004 Also chases prey *27,28*
005 Feed on the ground, in mud, or in very shallow water *20*
007 Breed March-July in FL *27*. Two peaks of nesting activity - April and June *27*
014 Nest 8-15' high *30*. In ark., nest 3-15' high, average 8' *20*. In IL, nest 2-5 m high *18*. In NC, nest height average 2.25 m high *29* . In FL, nest 1.37-3.2 m high, average 2.19 m *27*. Later nests are built higher *27*
016 Outside diameter of nest 16-20", thickness of nest 6-8" *30*
017 Incubation 22-23 days *18 27,30*
018 Clutch size 3-6 *18,27,30* usually 4-5 *27,30*
022 Some breed when 1 yr old, most breed later *18*
027 Initial territory shrinks after nesting to area immediately around nest *20,27* territory is defended both vertically and horizontally *27*
026 May defend feeding territory during non-breeding season *20*
031 Mortality of nestlings 27.6% during 1st 2 weeks, mainly due to starvation *27*
033 Arrive in IL in late March or early April, leave in September *18*
099 Nest in colonies with other species of herons and egrets *18,19,20,21,22,27,29,30*. Young fledge at 6-7 weeks *34*

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Shrub/brush - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Shrub/brush - maintain riparian habitats
Shrub/brush - maintain streamside vegetation
Water - develop/maintain lakes/ponds
Water - develop/maintain wetlands
Water - develop/maintain freshwater marsh
Water - control sedimentation
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - control water levels
Water - control aquatic plants
Water - develop/maintain streamside vegetation
Water - restrict human disturbance
Agricultural - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Agricultural - maintain riparian habitats
Agricultural - maintain streamside vegetation
Agricultural - develop/maintain ditchbank vegetation
Forest - seasonal restriction of human use of habitats
Forest - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Forest - maintain riparian habitats
Forest - maintain streambanks
Forest - maintain streamside vegetation
Forest - reforestation
Forest - maintain old growth forests
Grassland - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Grassland - maintain riparian habitats
Grassland - maintain streamside vegetation

Beneficial Management References: 035 , 046 , 018 , 020 , 022 , 027

Adverse Managment Practices:

Water - application of herbicides
Water - application of pesticides
Water - application of insecticides
Water - dredging and filling
Water - navigational improvements (channelization, dams, locks)
Water - stream channelization
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Forest - application of herbicides
Forest - application of pesticides
Forest - application of insecticides

Adverse Management References: 035 , 018 , 020 , 022 , 027

Comments on Management:
Beneficial to maintain wetlands *18,20,22,27*. Controlling aquatic vegetation beneficial in some areas to provide foraging sites *27* in a managed wetland in northeast MO, use for foraging increased after drawdown was complete, when mudflat exposure was great. For drawdowns initiated June 15-20, slower drawdowns (9-10 days) produced a greater response. In wetland complexes, management units should be drawn down sequentially. Maintaining a complex of seasonal wetlands, riverine sloughs and forested wetlands is beneficial. *46*.

References for Management Comments: 046 , 018 , 020 , 022 , 027

References

Reference Code Citation
001 Easterla, D.A., M.B. Robbins and R.A. Anderson. 1992. Annotated Check-List Of Missouri Birds. The Audubon Society Of Missouri.
002 American Ornithologists Union. 1983. Checklist Of North American Birds (6th Ed.) Allen Press, Lawrence, KS. 877 Pp.
003 Unpb Wilson, Jim D. Mo Dept. Conserv. P.O. Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573)751-4115.
004 Unpb Rathert, J. Mo Dept. Of Conservation, 1110 S. College Ave., Columbia, Mo 65201. (573)-882-9880.
005 Birds Of Squaw Creek National Wildife Refuge. 1975. U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service. Rf-663560-2.
006 Kelly, J. and C. Hobbs (Compilers). 1978. Bird Checklist, Greater Kansas City Area. Burroughs Audubon Society Of Kansas City (Publishers).
007 Duck Creek Bird Checklist. 1979. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation, Jefferson City, Mo.
008 Heye, P.L. 1975. A Preliminary List Of The Birds Of The Cape Girardeau, Missouri Area. S.E. Mo State Univ., Cape Girardeau, Mo.
009 Birds Of The Bennett Spring State Park Area Field Checklist. Nature Interpretive Center Staff.
010 Birds Of Mingo National Wildlife Refuge.1970.Department Of The Interior Fish And Wildlife Service.Bureau Of Sport Fisheries And Wildlife.Refuge Leaflet 179-R3.
011 Comfort, J.F. 1975. A Checklist Of The Birds Of The August A. Busch Memorial Wildlife Area. Mo Dept Conserv and Webster Groves Nature Study Soc.
012 Welcome To Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge. U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge Pamphlet.
013 Unpb Breeding Bird Survey. J.D. Wilson, Mo Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573)-751-4115.
014 Kleen, V.M. 1976. The Changing Seasons - Middlewestern Prairie Region. Amer. Birds 30(1):77-82.
015 Anderson, D. 1976. Summer Survey. Bluebird 43(1):22-24
016 Anderson, D. 1974. Spring Survey. Bluebird 41(3):3-5.
017 Robbins, M. 1977. Spring Survey. Bluebird 44(2):14-18.
018 Graber, J.W., R.R. Graber and E.L. Kirk 1978. Illinois Birds: Ciconiiformes. IL Nat. Hist. Survey Biol. Notes No. 109. 80 Pp.
019 Peterson, C.T. 1965. An Unusual Colony Of Little Blue Herons. Wilson Bull. 77:192.
020 Palmer, R.S. (Ed.) 1962. Handbook Of North American Birds, Vol. 1. Yale Univ. Press. New Haven and London. 567 Pp.
021 Bent, A.C. 1927. Life Histories Of North American Marsh Birds. U.S. Nat. Mus. Bull. 135: 385 Pp.
022 Meanley, B. 1955. A Nesting Study Of The Little Blue Heron In Eastern Arkansas. Wilson Bull. 67:84-99.
023 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
024 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
025 Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
026 Telfair, R.C. Ii. 1981. Cattle Egrets, Inland Heronries, And The Availability Of Crayfish. Southwest Nat. 26(1):37-41.
027 Jenni, D.A. 1969. A Study Of The Ecology Of Four Species Of Herons During The Breeding Season At Lake Alice, Alachua County, Florida. Ecol. Monogr. 39(3):245-
028 Kushlan, J.A. 1976. Feeding Behavior Of North American Herons. Auk 93:86-94.
029 Mccrimmon, D.A. Jr. 1978. Nest Site Characteristics Among Five Species Of Herons On The North Carolina Coast. Auk 95:267-280.
030 Harrison, H.H. 1975. A Field Guide To Birds Nests In The United States East Of The Mississippi River. Houghton - Mifflin Co., Boston 257 Pp.
031 Coffey, B.B. Jr. 1943. Post-Juvenile Migrations Of Herons. Bird-Banding 14:34-39.
032 Dusi, J.L. 1967. Migration In The Little Blue Heron. Wilson Bull. 79(2):223-235.
033 Unpb Rundle, W.D. 1980. Management, Habitat Selection, And Feeding Ecology Of Migrant Rails And Shorebirds. Ms Thesis, Univ. Of Missouri-Columbia. 228 Pp. 112 Stephens Hall, University Of Missouri Columbia, Mo 65211.
034 Rogers, J.A. Jr. 1980. Little Blue Heron Breeding Behavior. Auk 97(2):371-384.
035 Unpb Fredrickson, L.H. Univ. Of Mo Gaylord Research Lab.,Puxico, Mo 63960 (573-222-3203).
036 Checklist Of Rare And Endangered Species Of Missouri. 1991. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 44 Pp.
037 Unpb Niethammer, K.R. 1983. Impact Of Agricultural Pesticides On Terrestrial And Aquatic Habitats Of The Lower Mississippi River Valley. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Of Missouri-Columbia. 85 Pp.
038 Hoppe, R.T. and R.A. Kennamer. 1986. Little Blue Herons Nesting Among Cattails. Wilson Bull. 98(3):482-483.
039 Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
040 Unpb Wilson, J.D. and B. Jacobs. 1988. The Distribution And Breeding Status Of The Birds Of Missouri (Preliminary Report). Mo Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
041 Jacobs, B. and J.D. Wilson. 1997. Missouri Breeding Bird Atlas 1986-1992. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Natural History Series No. 6. Jefferson City, Mo. 430 Pp.
042 Anderson, J.T., T.C. Tacha, G.T. Muehl and D. Lobpries. 1996. Wetland Use By Waterbirds That Winter In Coastal Texas. Nat. Biol. Serv. Information and Technology Report 8. 40 Pp.
043 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2007. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 51 Pp.
044 Unpb Ehrhardt, E. 1996. Abundance And Distribution Of Waterbirds On Three Habitats Of Missouri River Floodplain Following A Major Flood. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Of Missouri-Columbia. 126 Pp.
045 Humburg, D.D., K. Bataille, D.L. Helmers and D.A. Brunet. 1999. Wetland Ecology Studies In The Missouri River Floodplain: Evaluation Of Seasonal Habitat Use By Waterbirds On The Missouri River Floodplain Mo Dept. Conserv. Final Rept. Proj. W-13-R-53, Study 18, Job 4. 130 Pp.
046 unpb Reid, F.A. 1989. Differential Habitat Use By Waterbirds In A Managed Wetland Complex. Ph.D. Diss., Univ. Of Missouri-Columbia. 270 Pp.
047 Chesser, R.T., R.C. Banks, F.K. Barker, C.Cicero, J.L. Dunn, A.W. Kratter, I.J. Lovette, P.C. Rasmussen, J.V. Remsen, Jr., J.D. Rising, D.F. Stotz and K.Winker. 2010. 51st Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds. Auk 127(3):726-744.