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.

Let the light reveal the colors

Adults combine a dark green back with a chestnut neck and breast. In shade, nearly all of that can look dark. Start with the stocky body and substantial bill, then watch the bird turn rather than expecting bright green from every angle. ^[1]

A youngster has a different pattern

Brownish young birds have pale neck streaks and spotted wings. Compare their smaller proportions with a young Black-crowned Night Heron. Neither spots nor a hunched posture identifies the species by itself; the whole head, bill, and body matter. ^[1]

A secluded family site

The male begins a stick nest; after pairing, he brings material while the female does much of the arranging. Green Herons may nest alone or in loose groups, sometimes reusing an old nest. ^[2]

Clutches contain 3–5 eggs and incubation lasts about 19–21 days. Both parents feed and brood the chicks. Young can remain with their parents for more than a month after leaving the nest while learning to forage. Please leave concealed nesting areas undisturbed. ^[2]

A bird that uses bait

Some Green Herons place insects, feathers, or other small objects on the water to attract fish within reach. This is a striking example of tool use. Watch natural behavior rather than supplying bait yourself. ^[3]

Occasionally out of its depth

Although usually a shoreline hunter, a Green Heron can plunge after prey and swim back. That occasional behavior is different from the routine underwater pursuit of a diving duck. ^[3]

Wandering after nesting

After breeding, individuals sometimes move beyond their usual nesting range in search of feeding places. A late-season sighting does not necessarily indicate a local nest or a year-round resident. ^[3]