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Green Heron

Butorides virescens ORDER: CICONIIFORMES FAMILY: ARDEIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Green Heron Photo

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.

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Calls

  • Calls
  • Courtesy of Macaulay Library
    © Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

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

Get BNA: the definitive resource for North American birds
Search the Macaulay Library online archive for more sounds and videos