Tricolored heron

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

The tricolored heron breeds as far north as southern Maine.  They are a year-round resident in the southeastern US, West Indies, Mexico, and as far south as northern South America.  They typically occur in New Jersey only during their breeding season.

This is primarily a coastal species in New Jersey.  They will breed near fresh, brackish, or salt water.  Nesting locations within New Jersey have only been documented along the shorelines of Barnegat Bay and south.  However, they will forage in water bodies and marsh outside of the coastal area.

Tricolored herons’ preferred habitat is wetland and forest bordering saltwater bodies.  They nest in trees or shrubs by fresh or salt water and forage in and alongside water bodies.  Nests are usually between 2-12 feet above the ground.

DIET

Tricolored herons feed on aquatic invertebrates and fish.  They feed by standing or walking slowly in or alongside water.  When they see prey, they then spear it with their sharp bill.

LIFE CYCLE

The tricolored heron’s breeding season begins in mid-April and usually ends by late August.  They nest in colonies which are often quite large and may be occupied by other heron and egret species as well. 

The female builds the nest while the male delivers nesting material to her.  Three or four pale greenish-blue eggs are laid and then incubated by both adults for 21-25 days.  The nestlings are semialtrical and are cared for by both adults.  The young can leave the nest by 11 days old.