The tricolored heron, formerly known as the Louisiana heron, is a small species of heron native to coastal parts of the Americas. The species is more solitary than other species of heron in the Americas and eats a diet consisting mostly of small fish.
Region
Western Atlantic and Caribbean
Typical Environment
Found along coastal and estuarine habitats of the Americas, from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States through Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America to northern South America. Prefers saltmarshes, mangroves, tidal flats, brackish lagoons, and river mouths. It occasionally wanders inland to freshwater marshes, reservoirs, and rice fields, especially after breeding.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formerly called the Louisiana heron, it’s a slim, energetic hunter that often feeds alone, dashing and striking at small fish in shallow water. Its three-toned look—slate-blue body, purplish neck, and white belly—makes it one of the easiest North American herons to identify. It nests colonially in mangroves or marsh shrubs but typically forages solitarily.
Temperament
solitary and active
Flight Pattern
steady, direct flight with retracted neck
Social Behavior
Forages mostly alone but nests in mixed-species colonies with other herons and egrets. Pairs are seasonally monogamous, building stick nests over water in mangroves or marsh shrubs. Both sexes incubate and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; gives harsh croaks and raspy squawks, especially at colonies. Soft clucks and grating calls are used in pair bonding and territorial displays.
Plumage
Slender heron with slate-blue upperparts, a purplish to chestnut-washed neck, and clean white belly and undertail. A narrow white stripe runs from the throat down the neck to the breast. Juveniles show more brownish tones with rusty edging on wings.
Diet
Primarily small fish such as killifish and minnows, supplemented by crustaceans, aquatic insects, tadpoles, and occasionally small amphibians. It uses active techniques like stalking, dashing, wing-flicking, and foot-stirring to flush prey. Strikes are rapid and precise in shallow water.
Preferred Environment
Shallow edges of tidal creeks, mudflats, mangroves, and brackish lagoons. Also uses freshwater marshes, impoundments, and rice fields when available, usually hunting along exposed shorelines and pools.
