Adult: Dark gray-blue dorsal parts. Buffy feathers down back. Underparts white. Maroon color at base of neck. Neck has white stripe down front. Bill varies: may be gray tipped with a darker gray or it may be yellowish gray on lower bill, dark on upperbill.

Breeding adult: Maroon feathers appear on back. Bill becomes bluest blue.

Immature: Dark reddish-brown mottled feathers on wings and neck.

Habitat: Salt and frreshwater marshes. Tidal creeks, wet prairies, lakes and rivers.

A Florida resident.

Text by Mary Jean Rogers, West Volusia Audubon.

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