TriColor

TriColor Heron

This TriColor heron measures from 22 to 30 in long and has a wingspan of 6 feet. The slightly larger male heron weighs 15 oz on average, while the female averages 11 ox.  It is a medium-large, long-legged, long-necked heron with a long pointed yellowish or greyish bill with a black tip. The legs and feet are dark.

Adults have a blue-grey head, neck, back and upperwings, with a white line along the neck. The belly is white. In breeding plumage, they have long blue filamentous plumes on the head and neck, and buff ones on the back.

The tricolored heron stalks its prey in shallow or deeper water, often running as it does so. It eats fish, crustaceans, reptiles, and insects.

2. Awaiting prey.

3. the white belly.

4. Standing on one foot.

5. Out on mud flat.

6. Stalking prey.

7. In this light he seems more blue than gray.

8. Up to his belly in water.

9. Looking around.

10. Detail, red eye.

11. Got a scratch, yellow feet!

12.

13. Detail of younger one.

14. In his breeding plumage.

15. Older and younger (left).

16. Got his eye out for food.

17. Sneaking up on it?

18. Open wide.

19. Detail.

20. Big toes!

21. Is the neck long enough?

22. Another yawn?

23. Long neck.

24. A tiny tri-color, not more than 12 inches long, caught breakfast.

25. 9-23-28 Profile

26. 9-24-2020 Pose

27. Tall drink of water.