The tricoloured heron

Tricoloured heron searching for prey.

While visiting Texas in June this year I came across a fascinating little bird.  It was wading just inside the edge of the shoreline.  The long legs allowed it to keep its body clear of the water while its long neck (see inset) and dagger-like beak made the workings of a perfect spear.  The combination ensured the predator's reward; food would soon be served.

Tricoloured herons are primarily piscivores.  Their diet is composed mostly of fish, although they will take invertebrates and even small vertebrates such as frogs and salamanders. They don't seem to compete with their larger cousins in that these birds take smaller prey closer to shore.  They also have an interesting habit; while standing on one leg their other leg stirs the bottom sediment in the hopes of uncovering something tasty.

There are a remarkable number of herons, egrets, and ibis along the Gulf Coast.  While visiting there I found great-blue heron, little-blue heron, great egret, cattle egret, snowy egret, and white ibis.  In Canada, we have the black-crowned night heron and green heron as well as the ubiquitous great-blue heron.  Being able to see some of these other majestic birds was a wonderful experience.

Thanks for reading.  

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com