Tricolored Heron
Egretta tricolor Eco Pond, Everglades,
Florida
March 2000 Photographed by: Dana LaVanture
Descriptive Information
- Field marks: dark blue-gray
with white stripe down front of neck; white belly; white underwings; white
plume on back of head; bill is yellow, gray, to black; in breeding season,
the male's bill may be turquoise with dark at tip
- General habitat: swamps,
marshes, shores of rivers and other bodies of water
- Geographic range: east
coast of US, southern coast, south Texas and into Mexico
- Ecosystem(s) where observed:
freshwater marshes, shore areas
Feeding Habits
- The Tricolored Heron employs
a very interesting method of catching its prey. It often runs around
in shallow or belly-deep water with its wings outstretched, using its shadow
to scare up small fish or other creatures, then it grabs them with its bill.
It may also stalk prey by walking or hopping. Watching this heron
feed can be quite amusing!
Links to Images
Links to Video
External Links
(This page developed by: Dana LaVanture)