Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

Preformative (first Fall) molt in the Great Blue Heron is protracted and often suspended during the winter resulting in peculiar plumage combinations. E. g. this one shows an adult crown pattern but also retained juvenile wing coverts with white spots on the feather tips. Largest of the North American herons, it is similar to the smaller Gray Heron of Eurasia and Africa but can be distinguished by the Great Blue's vinaceous neck color and longer legs. This is the large, pale race "A. h. wardi" breeding throughout Florida and the southeastern US.