The Green Heron carries a very unique coloring in its feathers and seen in the right light, the shimmering green is a highlight for any birder.
Identification
This crow-sized heron reaches lengths of 56 centimeters and can be as wide as 66 centimeters. Their white fore-neck and belly clash with their grey wings and back which carry the iridescent green tinge, which gives this bird its name. Another distinguishing feature of this bird is its green-black crown which is clearly visible against its brown face and neck. The white belly and fore-neck are met with greenish yellow legs and a multi-coloured bill of brown and green. The bill is the most valued tool of all herons as it allows them to spear their food with one quick movement of their neck.
Range/Habitat
The Green Heron is most commonly seen in the southern parts of Ontario and is fairly sparse in the central and northern regions. They are most commonly found along freshwater streams, marshes, and lakes.Their short legs allow them to stay close to the water and to more easily claim prey. A Green Heron prefers a dense shoreline of emergent vegetation which allows them to hide easier when feeding. Being a very cautious bird, the Green Heron is most commonly seen flying quickly from a bush or shrubs with a sharp call.
Behaviour/Nesting
These herons feed off small aquatic animals, such as: small fish, frogs, tadpoles, crayfish, as well as small rodents and snakes. Like most herons, the Green Heron waits and stalks its prey before quickly striking with its long sharp bill. The nesting habits of the Green Heron are usually solo, but they have been known to nest in small groups. The nest, a small platform of twigs, is built by the male in a small tree or shrub and is usually close to water. Three to five pale-blue green to green eggs are then laid and incubated by the pair for a period of 19-21 days. Once hatched the young are fed by regurgitation.
Migration/Best Sites
Green Herons usually winter in northern areas as far as southern Alaska. They have also been known to winter over in regions of central United States and the Galapagos Islands. During spring and summer the best sites for spotting this bird are: Point Pelee National Park along Lake Erie, Long Point Provincial Park in Rowan and along the Trent Canal
Other
An interesting habit of the Green Heron is one dealing with their feeding. As mentioned, like other herons they will stalk their prey before striking. But, before the Green Heron attacks its prey it is common for it to make a few elaborately cautious steps toward its prey which are quite defined from its normal step. It is assumed this allows them to close some distance between their prey and themselves without the prey noticing, allowing them to have greater accuracy with their bill.
