Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Tricolored Heron
Scientific name:	Egretta tricolor
Date:	June 3, 2024
Time:	~7:03 pm
Length of time observed:	45 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Unknown, suspect immature
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Jackson Flat Reservoir, outside of Kanab, UT
County:	Kane
Latilong:	40.516520, -110.226450
Elevation:	4900 ft
Distance to bird:	30-40 yards
Optical equipment:	Swarovski EL 8.5x42 binoculars (Ann), Vortex Viper HD 10x42 and Swarovski 80 mm Spotting Scope (Louisa)
Weather:	Partly cloudy skies, about 80 degrees, no wind
Light Conditions:	Near sunset but generally good light
Description: Size of bird:	Bigger than black-necked stilts, ducks and coots, about 25 inches.
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Long neck and legs, large body
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Bluish-gray or dark blue in the light
(Description:) Bill Type:	Long, dagger-like bill
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Initially the bird caught our eye because of the color and size. There was no question it was NOT a Great Blue Heron. At first, we thought it was a Little Blue Heron because of the color - dark gray. Neither of us had our cameras with us so Ann stayed where we first saw it and Louisa went back to the car to get her camera, about ½ mile. During that time Ann noted that the bird waded in the water looking for prey but pretty much stayed in the same location. Turning in all directions and with the sun shining on the bird, it was obvious it was darker than a Great Blue. Louisa was able to digiscope the bird without coming the whole way back to where initially seen. Ann met her and we were able to discuss the field marks in the photos taken by Louise and compare them with the actual bird and the Sibley app. The bill was long, with a lighter, yellowish base and darker tip. Once it stretched, lifting its wings, the white belly and underwing coverts were obvious and immediately ruled out the Little Blue Heron idea. There were two short yellowish plumes coming out the back of the head, the front of the neck was yellow with some dark mottling contrasting with a dark breast. The dark breast contrasted with the white belly. The back had light, almost yellow feathers on its lower back. The skin around the eyes was yellow. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None, did not vocalize
Behavior:	Wading in tall grasses/shallow water at inlet of reservoir dropping bill into water to hunt. It did slowly wade through the grasses but came back to its original location. During our observation, it didn t move more than 10 feet.
Habitat:	Tall grasses in water near the inlet on the east side of the reservoir. Scattered brush and trees.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Great Blue Heron: At first glance, we thought it was a likely a Great Blue Heron but immediately we both decided it was something else. The bird was much darker in color than the blue of the Great Blue and much smaller than a Great Blue. The bill was thinner and the wrong color. Little Blue Heron: Although not a local bird, we considered the Little Blue Heron. Initially it appeared dark in color like the Little Blue but patches of white were showing on the belly. When it stretched it wings, it showed white underwing coverts and belly eliminating the Little Blue. Green Heron: it was much too large for a Green Heron. Other Herons and large water birds: The bird had a very long, thin neck when it stretched eliminating a Black-crowned Night-heron or a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. The bill was straight eliminating any Ibis.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Both Louisa and Ann have seen Tricolored herons while birding in Texas and several countries in Central America.
References consulted:	Sibley app
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Ann Swanson
Observer's address:	7111 W. McMullin St., Boise, ID, 83709
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Louisa Evers, 17826 Mountain Springs Ave., Nampa, ID 83687 elouisa603@gmail.com
Date prepared:	June 7, 2024
Additional material:	Photos Video
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