Green Heron
Butorides virescens
Aves › Pelecaniformes › Ardeidae › Butorides
Conservation status: least_concern
The green heron is a small heron of North and Central America. Butorides is from Middle English butor "bittern" and Ancient Greek -oides, "resembling", and virescens is Latin for "greenish".
How To Identify
They are medium-sized herons defined by their striking, deep emerald green plumage which provides excellent camouflage among foliage; they have a comparatively stout body compared to larger wading species.
Habitat
Green Herons inhabit freshwater wetlands, marshes, swamps, and the edges of ponds, streams, and lakes in wooded or shrubby areas.
Behaviour
The Green Heron stalks prey by slowly wading through shallow water or perching low on branches, remaining perfectly still for extended periods before striking with lightning speed.
Native Range
The green heron is a small heron of North and Central America.
Did You Know?
Green Herons are known to use tools, dropping insects, seeds, or small twigs onto the water surface to attract fish—a rare behavior among herons that demonstrates surprising intelligence.
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