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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: