The green heron is a small heron of North and Central America. Butorides is from Middle English butor "bittern" and Ancient Greek -oides, "resembling", and virescens is Latin for "greenish".
Region
North and Central America and the Caribbean
Typical Environment
Found from southern Canada through much of the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies, with some individuals reaching northern South America. Prefers quiet freshwater and brackish wetlands, including ponds, marshes, swamps, mangroves, and slow streams. Often uses shaded, vegetated margins and perches low over the water to ambush prey. Winters mainly in the southern U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The green heron is a small, stocky heron known for its hunched posture and stealthy hunting along the water’s edge. It is one of the few birds documented to use tools, dropping insects, bread, or other items on the water surface to lure fish. Its cryptic, dark green and chestnut plumage helps it blend into shaded wetlands. Breeding adults show brighter leg and bill colors during courtship.
Green heron have iridescent green feathers on their wings
"Green heron" by John J. Audubon
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone, maintaining small feeding territories along shorelines. Pairs form seasonally and often nest in trees or shrubs over water, sometimes in loose colonies with other herons. Nests are stick platforms; clutches usually contain 2–5 eggs with both sexes sharing incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, explosive calls such as skeow or kyow when flushed or in flight. At colonies it gives softer cuck and cooing notes during courtship. It does not produce a melodious song like passerines.
