Species BirdsGreen Heron

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

CommonBird
Illustration of Green Heron (Butorides virescens)

The Green Heron is one of very few birds documented to use tools — it drops insects, feathers, or twigs onto the water surface as bait to lure fish. It is a small, compact heron that hunches low over the water and can extend its neck to an astonishing length when striking. Despite its name the plumage is primarily deep chestnut with a dark greenish back.

Habitat
Ponds, streams, and wooded swamps with vegetated margins
Diet
Small fish, frogs, insects, and crayfish
How common
Common

Best time to see a Green Heron

The best time to see a Green Heron is April–August, when about 71% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 93,250 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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