Butorides virescens
Description
The green heron has a long bill, a greenish-gray back and wings, and a gray front. It has wading legs and a dark crown (top of the head). The adult green heron has a reddish-brown neck and orange legs, while the younger bird has a brown and white striped neck and yellow legs.
Voice
The green heron's call is a loud "skeew." It also says "kuk" repeatedly.
Breeding
April to September
Habitat
The green heron likes to be around lakes, marshes, swamps, ponds, and streams.
Diet
Green herons eat fish, mollusks, crustaceans, insects, spiders, leeches, reptiles (like snakes), and amphibians (like frogs).
Range
You can find this bird in the eastern United States during the summer and year-round along the southern coast.
Other Useful Information
This bird usually keeps its long neck tucked into its body; however, when it gets nervous, the heron stretches out its neck and lifts the crest on top of its head.Similar Species
The American bittern looks like a young green heron, but the bittern has a brown body and a light head.
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