Photographing Tricolored Herons in Louisiana
A Louisiana Original with a Name That’s Changed
If you’re out exploring Louisiana’s marshes, swamps, and coastal wetlands, chances are you’ll come across the Tricolored Heron — a slender, graceful wading bird known for its elegant hunting style and striking plumage.
But not too long ago, this beautiful bird was better known by a different name: the Louisiana Heron.
That older name reflected the bird’s strong connection to the Gulf Coast, especially the shallow estuaries and brackish marshes of Louisiana’s coast. For many years, naturalists recognized how iconic this species was to Louisiana’s unique wetland ecosystems.
However, in the mid-20th century, ornithologists moved toward standardizing bird names to emphasize physical characteristics rather than regional associations. Thus, the Louisiana Heron became the Tricolored Heron, a name that highlights the bird’s beautiful mix of blue-gray, white, and reddish-brown plumage.
Even though the official name has changed, some longtime Louisiana birders and photographers still affectionately use "Louisiana Heron", a nod to the bird’s deep roots in the state’s natural heritage.
Where to Find Tricolored Herons in Louisiana
Tricolored Herons thrive in shallow coastal marshes, swamps, and estuaries, making them a regular sight for bird photographers in Louisiana. Some of the best places to find them include:
Miller’s Lake – A lesser-known gem in Evangeline Parish, this shallow lake attracts a wide range of waterbirds, including Tricolored Herons.
Rip’s Rookery – Located at Rip Van Winkle Gardens on Jefferson Island, this beautiful rookery is home to nesting Tricolored Herons in spring and early summer, along with Great Egrets and Roseate Spoonbills.
Lake Martin – One of Louisiana’s premier birding and photography locations, with easy access to heron rookeries.
Barataria Preserve – Boardwalks and trails through cypress swamps and freshwater marshes offer excellent chances to photograph Tricolored Herons.
The Creole Nature Trail – This scenic byway passes through some of the most productive coastal marshes in the state.
Colorful Characters — Especially the Chicks
One of the real treats for photographers is capturing Tricolored Herons during the breeding season. During this time, adults develop vivid colors, including bright blue facial skin near the base of their bill, and their plumes become even more vibrant.
But it’s not just the adults that are photogenic — the chicks are scene-stealers in their own right. Tricolored Heron chicks hatch covered in fluffy white down, but as they grow, rusty brown feathers start to emerge, especially on their heads and backs. This gives them a scruffy, wide-eyed appearance — perfect for playful, personality-filled photos.
Chicks are often seen stretching their necks, flapping their tiny wings, and begging loudly for food, making for fantastic behavioral shots that tell the story of life in a Louisiana rookery.
Behavior Worth Capturing
Tricolored Herons are one of the most active hunters among herons. Unlike their more patient relatives that stand still for long periods, Tricolored Herons are constantly on the move, darting, crouching, and even running through the shallows to chase down fish.
This dynamic hunting style makes them a fun challenge for photographers, especially when you want to capture sharp action shots. Look for the moments when they spread their wings for balance or lunge forward with precision to spear a fish.
Tips for Photographing Tricolored Herons
Use a Long Lens – A 400mm or longer lens helps you capture close-up detail without disturbing the bird.
Work the Reflections – Calm water creates beautiful mirror-like reflections, especially with the heron’s colorful plumage mirrored below.
Behavior Over Portraits – While portraits are nice, focus on hunting behavior to tell a more dynamic story.
Spring Colors Shine – Visit rookeries like Rip’s in spring and early summer when both adults and chicks are most photogenic.
Golden Hour Advantage – The soft light at sunrise and sunset brings out the rich blues, grays, and rusty browns in their plumage.
Conservation Connection
While Tricolored Herons are not currently endangered, they are sensitive to habitat loss, especially along Louisiana’s rapidly eroding coastline. As coastal marshes disappear, so do the shallow feeding grounds these herons rely on. By photographing and sharing images of Tricolored Herons, you’re not just creating beautiful art — you’re also helping to highlight the importance of protecting Louisiana’s wetlands.
Final Thought
Whether you call them Tricolored Herons or still prefer the nostalgic Louisiana Heron, this graceful species is a true ambassador of the wetlands. With their elegant form, colorful plumage, and lively hunting style, they make an ideal subject for photographers hoping to capture the beauty and biodiversity of Louisiana’s wild places.
