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Green Heron
Butorides virescens
{Species
Archive Index}
Photo by Ginger
Allen, University of Florida
Body - Dark, 14" - 18"
Bill Description- Dark on top, sharp, heavy
Leg Color- Yellow; bright orange (breeding)
Other Key Characteristics- Greenish-black
crown, green-gray back, chestnut neck. Shorter neck than other herons. Immature white
undersides with brown streaking.
Status- Resident, common
Reproduction Cycle- March - June, 3- 4 pale
blue eggs, weak stick platform. Will nest in colonies with same or mixed species.
Distribution- Breeds: central and eastern
U.S.A., Pacific coast. Winters: coastal California to southern Arizona, Texas, Gulf Coast,
Atlantic Coast to South Carolina.
Habitat- Freshwater or brackish marshes with
wooded cover.
Diet- Primarily consume small fish. Also eat
crustaceans, mollusks, and a variety of insects.
Call- Sharp kyowk or skyow.
Fun facts- Have learned to fish by
dropping insects into the water to attract minnows. Normally seen in frozen position near
pond or stream edge.
{Species
Archive Index}
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