Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Summer — spring arrival to early fallSeasonal

The take

The small crouched heron frozen on a snag over the pond — patient, then instant.

How to ID it

  • Small, stocky heron with deep green back and crown and a rich chestnut neck and breast; looks all dark at a distance.
  • Thick neck usually drawn in against the body, with a long daggerlike bill and short legs.
  • Stands motionless at the water's edge hunting from shore or vegetation rather than wading like larger herons.

Field marks at a glance

Size
large
Head
dark green cap over chestnut neck
Call
sharp explosive skeow when flushed

Where & when

Summer — spring arrival to early fall — best odds at four mile creek greenway.

Learn more

Sources