Tricolored Heron

Status Rare visitant. The species was first recorded by Thomas F.T. Morland, who studied one in full breeding plumage at Crescent Beach, Lunenburg County, on 13 June 1957. Since then, 14 individuals have been reported, including several confirmed by photograph and one by specimen. An extraordinarily early individual was seen in Cole Harbour, Halifax County, on 28 February 1975 and for some weeks thereafter (F.L. Lavender). Another early arrival was seen on 29 March 1969. Three have appeared in April, six in May, one in July, and two in August.

Description Length: 50-70 cm. Adults: White belly and foreneck contrast with slaty blue upperparts. White throat tinged with chestnut. Two short white plumes on head. Immatures: Chestnut hindneck and wing coverts.

Range Breeds in Baja California, along the Gulf Coast (rarely inland), and north on the Atlantic coast to Maine. Also in South America.

Remarks This is the most coastal of the "southern" herons. Increasing in numbers and spreading northward, it can be expected to be seen more often in the province.