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Green Heron

Butorides virescens

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38.6741, -76.8029

Field Notes

Description:

The Green Heron is relatively small; adult body length is about 44 cm (17 in). The neck is often pulled in tight against the body. Adults have a glossy, greenish-black cap, a greenish back and wings that are grey-black grading into green or blue, a chestnut neck with a white line down the front, grey underparts and short yellow legs. The bill is dark with a long, sharp point. Female adults tend to be smaller than males, and have duller and lighter plumage, particularly in the breeding season.

Habitat:

The habitat of the Green Heron is small wetlands in low-lying areas. The species is most conspicuous during dusk and dawn, and if anything these birds are nocturnal rather than diurnal, preferring to retreate to sheltered areas in daytime.

Reference Links:

Green Heron

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)
Technoliteracy
I figured that out about 2 minutes before you helped me out. Thanks Martin. I'm pretty sure you are right.
Technoliteracy
The picture was shot near dusk, and I had to crop it due to the distance. Thanks, I will look it up.
sttweets
I'd say it's out of the Heron family, but I'm not sure on specific member. Is the picture shot in dim light? Check this Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heron for more information on the Herons.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity
Mission
Birds of the World
Photographed
PublishedJune 21, 2011

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