2020 Bonanza Bird #24

Elegance in Plumage: The Tricolored Heron's Stunning Appearance

December 17, 2020 in Birdorable Bonanza 2020 and Herons with 4 comments

This post was last updated on January 24, 2024

Today we introduce a New World species of waterbird. Meet the Birdorable Tricolored Heron!

The Tricolored Heron is a mid-sized type of heron named for its plumage of blue-grey, lavender, and white. They can be recognized especially by their white bellies and neck stripe, unique among dark herons or egrets.

Tricolored Herons range across coastal and freshwater habitat around the southeastern United States, as well as Central and far northern South America. They can also be found in the Caribbean. Tricolored Herons feed primarily on fish. Their hunting style ranges from slow methodical lethal bill stabs from a hunched position to comically running and chasing prey in shallow water.

Through bird banding data, we know that the oldest recorded Tricolored Heron lived to be at least 17 years and 8 months of age. Bird banding science has been around for a long time -- that particular bird was banded in 1958!

Tomorrow’s new species is an endemic and endangered bird of prey from the island of Java. The species is the national bird of its country. Do you know this one?

Cute Tricolored Heron Gifts

From Amazon

Birdorable Tricolored Heron Cute Cartoon Birder Gift Idea Throw Pillow

Comments

Just Another Birder on December 17, 2020 at 8:15 PM wrote:

Yes! Tricolored Herons are awesome! I love the little Red Knots in the background. Is the next bird a Javan Hawk-Eagle?

Brandon Nayar on December 18, 2020 at 12:40 AM wrote:

Garuda Pancasila which is the Javan Hawk Eagle

Birdorable (Arthur) on December 18, 2020 at 2:33 PM wrote:

Well done, Just and Brandon. It is indeed the endangered Javan Hawk-Eagle.

Spurwing Plover on February 18, 2026 at 5:37 PM wrote:

And their little Cousins the Green Heron is clever enough to use Bait to fish with

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