Juvenile Little Blue Herons are completely white during their first year, making them look similar to a Snowy Egret. As they mature, they transition to their adult dark blue plumage through a "patchy" or "calico" molting phase, with a mix of white and dark feathers appearing before the full adult color develops.
Juvenile Little Blue Herons are completely white during their first year, making them look similar to a Snowy Egret. As they mature, they transition to their adult dark blue plumage through a "patchy" or "calico" molting phase, with a mix of white and dark feathers appearing before the full adult color develops.