I recently read an informative article (see this link at Florida Audubon) with a unique perspective on the Tricolored Heron’s ‘multi-colored’ appearance. Here’s an excerpt:
The Tricolored Heron Has More Than Three Colors, “Multicolored Heron” might be a more accurate name for this small wading bird, formerly known as the Louisiana Heron. Their plumage changes in color rather dramatically from the juvenile stage, when they are mostly brown with blue accents, to their adult form: slate gray with mauve tones. They always have a white belly, but during the breeding season (May – July), they become even more vibrant. Tricolored Heron bills and facial skin take on a bright, cobalt blue hue and their dull, yellow legs transform into pink. Why? These coloration infusions are all about attracting a mate.
Stay tuned for images of the Tricolored in his finest blues!
Birder's Journey 
I love the image with its feathers all fluffed out. I’m looking forward to seeing him in his breeding plumage!
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Thanks, Deborah! I hope it will be in the next couple of months, based on the past few years.
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Snazzy already, and he’s going to become even more glamorous!? Can’t wait to see.
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He does look pretty showy already, doesn’t he?
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Highly fashionable. Is the ruffling of his feathers to dry off? to scare away predators? to wake up from his nap?
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The ruffling could be any of those things you mentioned, but it is also a behavior herons exhibit later in breeding season.
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He is already so charming…👍
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I agree! Thanks so much!
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He is gorgeous already!
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He certainly looks more glamorous in these poses than a lot of his fellow herons, Carol!
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🙂
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The most beautiful, and dramatic, of the Herons. Love em ! Great shots and article. 😃
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Thank you, Ted. Beautiful and dramatic – exactly. Great description.
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Nice post, very snazzy!
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I thought so too, Berny! 😉
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I never ever tire of seeing this stunning heron species, BJ. It’s a bird we don’t see in California, so I really appreciate seeing it here.
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Glad you enjoyed him, Jet. They are so abundant here, I tend to forget that they are not everywhere!
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He looks pretty sharp right now 😊. Excellent photos!
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Yes, Belinda, I agree. This heron was looking very handsome that day.
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Great shots, Carol! 🙂
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Much appreciated, HJ!
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Colorful and great looking bird!
Beautifully photographed.
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Very kind of you, Wally, thank you! He is a very good looking bird!
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He is gorgeous!
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Thank you, Tanja!
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He is looking good, Carol! It’s nice to think about them getting ready to breed as we get deeper into the winter doldrums here.
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Yes! I keep going back to my pictures from previous years to see how close we’re getting!!😉
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