Tricolored Heron
Egretta tricolor
The Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) is a common herons, egrets, and bittern found in 51 countries, weighing about 372 g. The tricolored heron, formerly known as the Louisiana heron, is a small species of heron native to coastal parts of the Americas.
About the Tricolored Heron
The tricolored heron, formerly known as the Louisiana heron, is a small species of heron native to coastal parts of the Americas. The species is more solitary than other species of heron in the Americas and eats a diet consisting mostly of small fish.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
This species measures from 56 to 76 cm (22 to 30 in) long and has a typical wingspan of 96 cm (38 in). The slightly larger male heron weighs 415 g (14.6 oz) on average, while the female averages 334 g (11.8 oz). It is a medium-large, long-legged, long-necked heron with a long, pointed, yellowish or greyish bill with a black tip. In breeding plumage, some individuals will develop a stark bicolored bill which is blue and black at the tip. Its legs and feet turn from dark yellow in nonbreeding birds to pink in breeding adults.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France, Portugal, Spain, Montserrat.
When to see it
The Tricolored Heron can be seen all year round, with peak activity in April. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Tricolored Heron?
- This species measures from 56 to 76 cm (22 to 30 in) long and has a typical wingspan of 96 cm (38 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Tricolored Heron?
- The Tricolored Heron is a large sized bird weighing about 372 g.
- Where can you see a Tricolored Heron?
- The Tricolored Heron occurs in 51 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize and Colombia.
- What birds look similar to a Tricolored Heron?
- The Tricolored Heron is most easily confused with the Little Blue Heron, the White-faced Heron and the Reddish Egret.
- Is the Tricolored Heron endangered?
- The Tricolored Heron is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
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