Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Overview

The Green Heron (Butorides virescens) is a species of heron (family Ardeidae) in the order Pelecaniformes of bird (class Aves).

Description

A small heron with a blue-green back, rusty-colored neck with a white line down the front and glossy, greenish-black cap, grey underparts and short yellow legs. Adult females tend to be smaller than the males, but are otherwise similar. Juveniles are duller, streaked brown and white.

Range

Found in small wetlands in low-lying areas of North and Central America.