Where’s Wildlife · Bird Field Guide

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Pronounced (approx.): byoo-TOR-ih-deez vih-RES-enz

This small heron often watches for prey from a branch or the water’s edge rather than wading in deep water.

Green Heron (Butorides virescens).
Photograph © Brian Woolman / Where’s Wildlife. Select to enlarge.

Three Identification Clues

A compact heron with a stout, pointed bill and a neck often held tucked in.

Adults show a greenish back and crown with a rich chestnut neck.

Young birds are browner, with streaked necks and pale spots on the wings.

Field Photographs

Range & Sightings

Seasonal Range

View Range Map ↗

Recorded Observations

Observation records are not a complete seasonal range map.

iNaturalist observation map ↗

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