Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor), Gilbert Water Ranch, Maricopa County

This Tricolored Heron was found by Peggy Coleman on 28 August 2016 and photographed by Richard Ditch on 28 August 2016

Tricolored Heron is a casual visitor to Arizona, most often in summer. Most records, like this one, are of immatures. 

Contrast between dark breast and white belly at all ages is unique among North American herons. Rufous on the head is unique to young birds. 

28 August 2016, photo by Richard Ditch

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