Birds of Panama, Herons & Egrets (Art. 1)

In Panama, this group includes about fifteen sedentary species and two migratory ones. The country is not lacking in marine or lacustrine coastlines… 3000 km of coastline on both oceans, Atlantic and Pacific, more than 2000 islands, and numerous lakes, natural or artificial. It also has many rivers and streams.
These are all biotopes favored by these bird species, where they find their food. Large quantities of saltwater or freshwater fish, but also crustaceans, amphibians, snakes, lizards, or sometimes even small mammals or young birds.
Here are some observations, in photos, that can be made throughout the country.

**Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)**

Along with the Cocoi Heron, these are the largest herons. It is distinguished from the Cocoi in all plumages by its rufous thighs. Those that nest in Canada and the northern United States come here to spend the boreal winter.
It is found everywhere on the banks of lakes and rivers below 1600 m.

Photo of a Great Blue Heron perched on a wall facing the sea — Elegance, facing the sea

Photo of a Great Blue Heron warming itself in the sun, perched on a wall — Warming up with the first rays of sun

Photo of a Great Blue Heron, holding a fish head in its beak while facing an Black vulture — It just stole the Black vulture’s meal remains…

Photo of a Great Blue Heron perched on a rock emerging from a lake — One of its favorite positions for spotting fish

**Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi)**

The adult is recognized by its white neck and black crown. It is present in the eastern part of the country and favors shallow waters where it can wade and rocks emerging from rivers to climb onto.

Photo of a Cocoi Heron in flight passing in front of vegetation — The flight of the superb Cocoi Heron over the river

Photo of a Cocoi Heron with a fish in its beak on a riverbank — With its freshly caught meal

Photo of a Cocoi Heron taking flight — The magnificent taking flight

Photo of a Cocoi Heron flying at dusk — At dusk, the last flight to the resting place

**Great Egret (Ardea alba)**

As it occupies the entire globe except the Antarctic continent, it is present throughout the country below 1400 m altitude. Among the large species, it is easily recognized by its yellow beak and black legs.

Photo of a Great Egret in a field near a river — Approaching the river

Photo of two Great Egrets on a wall above the sea — Waiting for fishing time

Photo of a Great Egret in flight over a river — Majestic flight over the river

Superb takeoff of a great egret against a blue sky — A superb takeoff

**Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)**

A medium-sized white heron. Its plumage is entirely white at all ages. Slender black beak, black legs, and bright yellow feet. Present on the American continents from north to south, common, it is found everywhere in the country below 1400 m. It nests in colonies on the Pacific Ocean coast. During the summer, migrants join the resident population.

Photo of a Snowy Egret fishing at the water's edge — It waits for a small fish to pass by

Photo of a Snowy Egret observing perched on a wall — Observing

Funny photo of a Snowy Egret jumping from one rock to another — Amusing change of perch

Photo of a Snowy Egret staring at the water — Portrait

**Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)**

The Little Blue Heron has a violet-brown head and neck, and the rest of its body is rather dark blue gray. The gray beak with a darker tip is slightly curved downwards and pointed. Immatures are white and can be confused with the Snowy Egret. A migratory species, in season, present everywhere in the country below 1400 m altitude.

Photo of a Little Blue Heron observing the sea, perched on a rock — Adult observing by the sea

Photo in flight of a nearly adult Little Blue Heron — Nearly mature heron in flight

Photo of an immature Little Blue Heron — Immature Little Blue Heron at a different age

Photo of an immature Little Blue Heron standing on a rock — Immature Little Blue Heron

**Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)**

Head, back, and wings are slate blue-gray, while the belly, flanks, and underwings are white. The long beak is yellow with a black tip. A white stripe runs down the long neck. Present everywhere in the country below 1400 m. It nests in colonies on the Pacific Ocean coast.