Tricolor Heron | Florida, USA | Edward Mikol Photography

A close up shot of a head and face of a tri-colored heron in breeding plumage in florida , usa, showing the red eye — Tricolor Heron

Florida, USA

The Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) undergoes a dramatic transformation during its breeding season. The "high breeding plumage" is typically seen in early spring (February through May depending on location) and lasts only for a short period during courtship.

The most striking change is the bill and facial skin (lores), which turn from dull yellow to a brilliant cobalt or turquoise blue. The tip of the bill remains black. The iris shifts from a brownish-yellow to an intense scarlet or ruby red, this change being more pronounced in males. Additionally, the legs transform from their standard yellowish-gray to a vivid deep pink, maroon, or reddish-orange. Breeding adults also grow delicate white plumes extending from the back of the head, fine lavender-purple plumes on the neck and shoulder area, and buff-colored plumes on the lower back.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.

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