|
D & D Wildlife Photography
|
The Green Heron is a small, all-dark bird with a compact shape, blue-green back, reddish-brown neck and chest, and short bright yellow to orange legs. It holds its head close to its body, giving it a short-necked appearance. The female is similar to the male except smaller. In spring, they migrate from the southern US, West Indies, Venezuela or Panama to the northern states in flocks consisting of 20-50 and prior to winter they return back south in smaller flocks.
They crouch in branches on shore and wait for prey or wade stealthily into water. The Green Heron has been known to place a stick, leaf or other object in water to lure prey to surface. It feeds on insects, fish, small amphibians, and crabs.It nests singly or in small colony. The nest is flat and composed of sticks, which are loosely arranged, leaves, and twigs that can be found in orchards, hardwood trees, and near an open marsh or reeds. The nest is usually 10-15 feet above the ground. The Green Heron lays three to six pale blue-green eggs.
Length: 19 inches
Wingspan: 20 to 26 inches
Habitat: Shores and water edges with dense vegetation, salt marshes, streams.
Voice: "Skow" call is frequently given when flushed and in flight. Aggressive call is "raah."
Other Behavior: Does crest raising and tail flicking when excited. Courtship involves pursuit and circle flights. During the breeding season, they erect their neck feathers, swelling their throats and uttering a croak-like qua qua which is repeated several times by the male while he is strutting about the female.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED