Tricolored heron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tricolored heron |
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| Egretta tricolor on Marco Island, Florida | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Egretta
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| Species: |
tricolor
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| Range of E. tricolor Breeding range Year-round range Wintering range | |
The tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor) is a beautiful bird found along the coasts of North and South America. It used to be called the Louisiana heron. These herons live in many places, from the eastern United States, all the way south through the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, down to northern Brazil. On the Pacific side, they can be found from Peru up to California. However, they only visit California during the non-breeding season.
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What Does a Tricolored Heron Look Like?
Tricolored herons are medium-sized birds. They are about 56 to 76 centimeters (22 to 30 inches) long. Their wings can spread out to about 96 centimeters (38 inches) wide.
Male herons are a bit heavier, weighing around 415 grams (14.6 ounces). Females are slightly lighter, at about 334 grams (11.8 ounces). These birds have long legs and a long neck. Their bill is long and pointed, usually yellowish or grayish with a black tip. Their legs and feet are dark.
Adult tricolored herons have a blue-gray head, neck, back, and upper wings. A white line runs down their neck, and their belly is white. When it's time to breed, they grow special, long, blue feathers on their heads and necks. They also get buff-colored feathers on their backs.
Where Do They Live and How Do They Reproduce?
Tricolored herons make their homes in swamps and other areas along the coast. They often build their nests in groups called colonies. These colonies usually include other types of herons too.
Their nests are made of sticks and are built on platforms in trees or shrubs. When a female heron lays eggs, this group of eggs is called a clutch. A typical clutch has about three to seven eggs.
How Do They Hunt and What Do They Eat?
The tricolored heron is a skilled hunter. It quietly walks through shallow or deeper water to find its food. Sometimes, it even runs while hunting!
These herons eat many different things. Their diet includes fish, crustaceans (like crabs and shrimp), small reptiles, and insects.
Images for kids
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A tricolored heron in Quintana, Texas
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A tricolored heron feeding
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A tricolored heron standing
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A tricolored heron flying
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A young tricolored heron (juvenile)
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A tricolored heron in its habitat
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A tricolored heron in full breeding colors in central Florida
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Tricolored Heron species account at Neotropical Birds (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
