Overview

Green Heron: Small heron with gray-green upperparts. Head, neck, upper breast are chestnut-brown, belly is paler brown. Head has green-black cap with small crest. Throat is white and neck has white central stripe. Bill is two-toned with dark upper mandible and yellow lower mandible. Direct flight.

Range and Habitat

Green Heron: Breeds across most of the U.S.; spends winters in the southern U.S. south to Venezuela, Panama, and the West Indies. Preferred habitats include shoreline habitats along rivers, oceans, lakes, and ponds.

Breeding and Nesting

Green Heron: Two to seven pale green or blue green eggs are laid in a flat nest made of sticks and leaves, usually built in a tree near water 10 to 15 feet above the ground. Incubation ranges from 19 to 21 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Green Heron: Diet consists of frogs, fish, snails, tadpoles, crayfish, crabs, crickets, dragonflies, water bugs, small snakes, and mice. Stands motionless with head cocked and neck extended waiting for prey; sometimes dives into the water to catch fish.

Vocalization

Green Heron: Song is a sharp, croaking "qua qua"; utters a piercing shriek when disturbed.

Similar Species

Green Heron: Little Blue Heron is larger and lacks brown head and neck.