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Formerly considered a subspecies of the Greenbacked Heron, the Green Heron is
currently considered a distinct species with four recognized subspecies. A relatively
small, dark, stocky heron, the Green Heron prefers wetlands with thick vegetation. Fish,
amphibians and invertebrates comprise their diet. They are known to “bait” prey
into closer striking range using a variety of objects, including live insects and
earthworms. Primarily solitary in their foraging and breeding behavior, Green Herons may
nest on the ground or in vegetation singularly, in small loose groups or even colonially.
Adults are distinctive with greenish-black caps and wings and rufous-colored necks and
breasts. Immatures may be confused with American Bitterns or immature night-herons.
However, the smaller size, darker back, neck and wings, longer, straighter bill and slight
crest can help distinguish them from other species.
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