Butorides virescens
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Aves |
| Order: Pelecaniformes |
| Family: Ardeidae |
| Genus: Butorides |
| Species: Butorides virescens |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Green herons are 18" long with a 26" wingspan. They are much smaller than great blue herons, and have a dark gray-green back and brown neck.
Habitat & Range
They live in streams, ponds, and along other bodies of water. Their breeding range reaches across the eastern half of the United States. Their non-breeding range reaches across the center of Mexico, while they are found year-round along the coasts of Mexico, Florida, Central America, and northern parts of South America.
Behavior
Green herons feed off of fish and occasionally invertebrates. They hunt by wadin and standing in the water, and grabbing or striking their prey with their beak.
Their call is a harsh “skyeew.”
Life Cycle
Green herons nest in trees and other vegitation near water. They lay between 1 and 2 broods each season with a handful of eggs.
Featured image by Manjith Kainickara.