Tricolored Heron

The Tricolored Heron (Scientific name - Egretta tricolour) is a medium to large sized heron common to the U.S. Gulf States.  It is also found in Northern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and as far south as Central Brazil and Peru. It was once known as the Louisiana Heron. 

 This heron has a long slender neck, dark grey-blue plumage with a white belly and white stripe on the front of its neck. The bill is long and pointed and yellowish and greyish. 

Photos were taken in February 2011 at Lake Tohopekalga, Florida.