Green Heron
Butorides virescens
Heron family (Ardeidae)
A small heron, 1 foot tall, 2 foot wingspan. Greenish back, reddish-brown neck and chest, short yellow legs. Looks short-necked because it holds its head close to its body.
Habitat:
Shores and water edges with dense vegetation.
Nesting:
Nests in small colonies. Nest of sticks, placed in tree. Eggs are pale blue-green.
Voice:
“Skow” call is given when flushed and in flight.
Name Origin:
The genus name Butorides is from the Latin for “bittern.” The species name virescens is from the Latin for "green."
In the Nature Park:
Year-round resident. Less common than the Great Blue Heron and very shy.
Photos:
Green Heron
