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Green Heron

Butorides virescens ORDER: PELECANIFORMES FAMILY: ARDEIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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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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Appearance

Herons
Herons
Typical Voice

Adult 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.

Immature Description

Striped brownish on neck and chest. Back brownish with buffy spots.

Range Map Help

Green Heron Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Green Heron

    Adult
    • © Marie Read
  • Immature
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    Green Heron

    Immature
    • © J.R.Woodward / CLO

Similar Species

  • In flight resembles a crow, but the wing beats are slower, the bunched neck gives it a slightly different shape, and it is reddish on the neck.
  • American Bittern is larger, more robust, more golden brown and lighter, and lacks the dark cap.
  • Least Bittern is smaller, slimmer, has a large pale patch in the wing, and is pale below.
  • Juvenile night-herons are larger and more robust with thicker bills.