Getting to know the Tricolored Heron!

  Early this afternoon, a odd looking bird sat on one of the pier posts.  This needed to be investigated so I headed down the board path.  Once on the pier, I realized that this was not an unusual bird at all but rather one that was in an odd position.  A tricolored heron had been preening itself and I caught sight of it as its head was beneath its wing.  Well, there was nothing to do but take a few pictures then head back to the warmth of the Little Bayou House.  A cool spell has hit the Bayou and the brisk north wind was chilling me to the bone.  One last look proved that the bird was hunkering down against the wind, as well.  Let's get to know our birdy friend! Here are some facts that I find interesting!

1.  Tricolored Herons are the only dark heron that has a white belly!

2.  Tricolored Herons love to wade belly-deep to forage for food!

3.  Tricolored Herons were once called Louisiana Herons!

4.  Tricolored Heron males' breeding plumage is blue and their beaks turn blue, as well!

5.  Tricolored Herons prefer feeding alone and will defend their territory against others!

6.  Tricolored Herons are usually solitary birds except during breeding season.  Then, they nest in huge colonies!

7.  Tricolored Herons eat small fish, crustaceans, insects, frogs, lizards, salamanders, tadpoles and spiders!

8.  Tricolored Herons are one of the most abundant herons in the Deep South!

9.  Tricolored Herons try to disguise themselves if threatened.  They will often submerge their heads and necks in water as if to appear being a log or (if in the marsh) they will stand erect with their beak pointed in the air as if to appear being a reed!  

10.  Tricolored Herons do a "dance" during courtship.  They neck stretch, bow, bill click and do circular display flights!

  Now that you know a bit about our fine-feathered friends, search for them along coastal areas.  They prefer bayous, marshes, bays, swamps, streams and occasionally fresh water ponds.  They are easily recognizable by that white belly!  (The last photo is from 2012 but it shows the bird really well so I decided to include it today.)