This distinctive white-bellied blue heron is the Louisiana heron, also known as the tricolored heron.
It is similar in size and shape to the little blue heron, which is all blue, but is taller.
It is one of the more common herons to come across in Florida marshes.
Their plumage is also easy to mistake for a great blue heron at times, especially since they are a taller bird.
During mating season, the tricolored heron’s plumage brightens up significantly.
