Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) fishing, Everglades National Park, 2014.

This small heron breeds in sub-tropical swamps of the Gulf states of the US, through Central America and the Caribbean south to Peru and Uruguay. It nests in colonies, often with other herons, and usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. Like other birds of the genus Egretta, the little blue heron stalks its prey methodically in shallow water. As you can see in the photo, this bird stands still, peers into the water and waits for the perfect moment to strike. This technique makes the little blue heron a successful hunter of fish, amphibians and invertebrates.