Gulf coast of Texas, Louisiana, and southern Florida

Scarce, only partially recovered from plume trade and there are only about 2000 breeding pairs in the US.

Local on shallow salt flats, coastal lagoons. Forages alone or in small flocks and often sprints after fish or staking fish with wings spread in order to provide shade for increased viability.

Eyes are pale, shaggy neck plumes, pink bill with black tip in breading. Body is gray-blue. Dark form: gray with rusty brown head and neck, long blue legs. White form: rare outside of Florida

None breading adults and immature have dark bills.