On the southeastern coastal plain, the Tricolored Heron is a characteristic bird of quiet shallow waters. Strikingly slender, with a long bill, neck, and legs, it is often
seen floating belly-deep in coastal lagoons. Although it is solitary in its feeding, it is typically sociable during nesting, often in very large colonies, in fact, with various
other herons and egrets. Formerly known as the Louisiana Heron.
This animal typically forages in shallow water by standing still and waiting for prey to approach, or by walking very slowly; sometimes more active, stirring bottom
sediments with one foot, or dashing in pursuit of schools of fish. Solitary in foraging, driving away others from small "feeding territory."
with one foot, or dashing in pursuit of schools of fish. Solitary in foraging, driving away others from small "feeding territory."
sediments with one foot, or dashing in pursuit of schools of fish. Solitary in foraging, driving away others from small "feeding territory."
Eats mostly fish. Eats mainly small fish of no economic value, also crustaceans (crayfish, prawns), insects (aquatic insects and grasshoppers), tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, lizards, spiders.
This bird often breeds in colonies, often with other species of wading birds. Male selects site within colony and displays there to attract a mate. Displays include neck stretching, deep grasses.