Birds
Tricolored Heron
Egretta tricolor · also called Louisiana heron
Dashing through shallow water in a burst of speed most herons never attempt, a tricolored heron chases down its prey rather than waiting for it to wander close, its dark blue-grey body split by a sharp white belly stripe.
Overview
The tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor, is a slender, active hunter native to wetland and coastal habitat across the Americas. Its distinctive dark blue-grey body with a contrasting white belly stripe, unusually energetic dashing hunting style, and former name as the Louisiana heron make it one of the most behaviourally lively and visually striking herons found anywhere in the Americas.
A heron that runs down its dinner
Where most herons succeed through patience and stillness, the tricolored heron takes the opposite path entirely, relying on speed and active pursuit to chase fish through shallow water.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and stable across suitable wetland and coastal habitat throughout the Americas.
Tricolored Heron: common questions
Why was the tricolored heron formerly called the Louisiana heron?
This species was formerly known as the Louisiana heron, an older common name that has since been replaced by one reflecting its distinctive dark blue-grey body and contrasting white belly stripe.
How does the tricolored heron hunt differently from most other herons?
This species hunts with a notably active, dashing pursuit style, running and darting through shallow water to chase down fish, unlike the patient, motionless waiting typical of most other herons.
How can you identify a tricolored heron?
This species can be identified by its dark blue-grey to purplish body sharply contrasted by a white stripe running down its belly and neck, along with an unusually slender build.
Does the tricolored heron nest alone?
No, this species breeds in mixed colonies alongside other herons and egrets, a common and often mutually beneficial social nesting arrangement among wading birds.