World wide the bird can be found all along the Gulf of Mexico, throughout the West Indies into Panama and South America.  Their United States habitat, which continues to be threatened by drainage for mosquito control and real estate development, consists of the marshes, tidal ponds, rivers, lagoons, sloughs and mangrove swamps along the Gulf Coast where other wading birds such as egrets and herons nest.  Occasionally some times in large numbers they can be found in Southern California.

Feeds by swinging bill through the water and snapping it shut on fish, crustaceans, insects, detected by feel.  Feeds alone or in small groups or in the company of other wading birds.

Nesting in small colonies, often with other waders, the male presents nest materials to female during construction of the the nest.  She builds a sturdy, deeply cupped, stick and twig platform, lined with green and dry finer materials.  Usually located in low branches of dense vegetation above water or occasionally on ground.  Clutches are usually 3 dirty white eggs marked with brown, about two and a half inches long. Incubation takes 22-23 days. Young are able to fly after 35-42 days.  Although eggs in some areas show relatively high pesticide levels, nest success is not impaired unlike other species of waterbirds.

Breeding is monogamous with stick presentation, bill clappering and close perching as part of the bonding ritual.   Both parents take turns incubating the young calling to each other 2-3 times daily when they need relief from nesting.  In addition to sharing nesting duties both sexes tend young.

Toward the beginning of the century these magnificent birds were slaughtered nearly to extinction for their wing feathers which were used to make ladies fans.  But with protection under the law they have made a strong comeback and again dazzle our Gulf Coast.

32 inches  Wingspan 50 inches