Saturday 15 June Green heron (Butorides virescens) Green heron
fact file - Find out more - Print factsheet Green heron
description Although secretive and skulking while creeping
slowly through its wetland habitat, the green heron (Butorides
virescens) is actually one of North America’s most recognisable
wetland birds (3). So named for its glossy green cap and back,
this relatively small, compact, crested heron has black wings
washed with blue, grey-brown spots or stripes on the lower-neck
and breast, and chestnut-brown patches on the side of the short
neck. The wing feathers are edged in pale brown, the tail is
blue-green above and greyish-white below, and the feet and short
legs are greenish-yellow. The male and female green heron are
much alike, but the juvenile is striped with brown on the neck
and underparts, with white-spotted brownish upperparts (3) (4).
As it stands motionless waiting for small fish to approach
within striking range, the green heron can be quite
inconspicuous, but often gives its prese