Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2022-12
| Common name: |
Tricolored Heron |
| Scientific name: | Egretta tricolor |
| Date: | 5/3/2022 |
| Time: | 7:00 Am |
| Length of time observed: | 10 mins |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Provo Airport Dike |
| County: | Utah |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 15 yards |
| Optical equipment: | Binoculars and point shoot camera |
| Weather: | Cloudy rainy |
| Light Conditions: | Decent |
| Description: Size of bird: | 25-30 inl |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Heron |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Blue and purple on top, white belly, tricolored |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Long blue dagger with black tip |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Small heron, all dark except for white belly extending onto underwings
then flying. Blue on top with iridescent purple patches, white tuft on
top of head, black eye, blue facial skin (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | |
| Behavior: | Active, climbing, stretching, flying short distances, quick water stabs, much more active than snowy egret next to it |
| Habitat: | Freshwater channel with phragmites on edges |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Great Blue Heron: much smaller, white belly, white tuft on head, very different
behavior Little blue heron: white belly and tuft on head, blue head with small purple patches Reddish Egret: less active, white belly, no red |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
|
| References consulted: | Lots of GBHE, first tricolor |
| Description from: |
From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | |
| Observer's address: | Ben Stradling |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Seen by many |
| Date prepared: | 5/3/2022 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |