Green Heron

Green Heron, adult

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Green Heron immature

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

A small, stocky wading bird, the Green Heron is common in wet spots across much of North America. It can be difficult to see as it stands motionless waiting for small fish to approach within striking range, but it frequently announces its presence by its loud squawking.

Description

• Small, dark heron.
• Long yellowish legs.
• Long, dark, pointed bill.
• Long neck often kept pulled in tight to body.
• Legs and neck long, but shorter than most herons.

• Size: 41-46 cm (16-18 in)
• Wingspan: 64-68 cm (25-27 in)
• Weight: 240 g (8.47 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes similar, but female slightly smaller, duller, and lighter.

Sound

Flight or alarm call an explosive "skeow." Also make series of "kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk" notes.

Conservation Status

Common and widespread. Populations difficult to census accurately, but appear stable.

Other Names

Heron vert (French)
Garcita verde (Spanish)
Green-backed Heron (English)

Cool Facts

• The Green Heron is one of the few tool-using birds. It commonly drops bait onto the surface of the water and grabs the small fish that are attracted. It uses a variety of baits and lures, including crusts of bread, insects, earthworms, twigs, or feathers.

• The Green Heron is part of a complex of small herons that sometimes are considered one species. When lumped, they are called Green-backed Heron. When split, they are the Green Heron, the widespread Striated Heron, and the Galapagos Heron.

• As is typical for many herons, the Green Heron tends to wander after the breeding season is over. Most wanderers probably seek more favorable foraging areas and do not travel far. But,occasionally some go farther, with individuals going as far as England and France.

Sources used to construct this page:

Davis, W. E., Jr., and J. A. Kushlan. 1994. Green Heron (Butorides virescens). In The Birds of North America, No. 129 (A. Poole, and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.