Green Heron

Adults have a glossy greenish-black cap, chestnut-brown neck, dark greenish-grey back and wings with pale feather edges, and greyish underparts. A white throat and stripe run down the front of the neck. Juveniles are duller and browner, heavily streaked with white on the neck and underparts.

Small size for a heron, dark greenish-black cap, chestnut neck and face, dark back, and relatively short yellow-greenish legs.

Length: 41–48 cm (16–19 in), Wingspan: 64–68 cm (25–27 in), Weight: 130–240 g (4.6–8.5 oz).

A sudden, explosive, loud, and raspy 'skeow' or 'kyow' call, usually given when flushed or alarmed.

Primarily small fish, frogs, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small reptiles or rodents. Known for using tools, such as dropping bait (insects, feathers, or twigs) onto the water's surface to lure fish within striking distance.

Shallow wetlands, marshes, swamps, river edges, mangrove swamps, and wooded ponds.

Short to medium-distance migrant; northern populations migrate south for the winter, while southern populations are year-round residents.

Builds a fragile platform of sticks in trees, shrubs, or reeds, usually near water. Lays a clutch of 3 to 5 pale greenish-blue eggs. Both parents incubate and feed the young.

Least Bittern (much smaller and buffy-colored) and Night-Herons (stockier with shorter bills and different proportions).

Acts as both a predator and prey species in wetland ecosystems, helping regulate aquatic insect and small fish populations.

Least Concern, with stable populations globally.

Look for them standing motionless or stalking prey at the water's edge of ponds, marshes, and wooded streams. They are easily startled, so approach quietly and use binoculars.

Green Herons are one of the few bird species known to use tools, frequently dropping bread, insects, or berries into the water to attract fish.