Range Map - Color Online

My first sighting of a Green Heron occurred along the banks of Deer Creek in western Pennsylvania. I was immediately mesmerized by the dark figure that seemed as at ease gliding across the swift waters of the creek as it did perched atop a 70 foot evergreen overlooking the creek. I would routinely watch the bird as it used its impressive agility to extend itself from a flimsy branch to the surface of the water to evaluate the availability of prey. Other times, it would sit motionlessly for what seemed like hours before striking the water with its bill with such speed and force that it actually startled me.

Description: The adult Green Heron has a dark green cap, wings, back, and tail. It has maroon underparts with conspicuous white streaks. It has a yellow eye and a thick, long, gray bill. Green Herons are noticeably stockier than most herons, and have shorter legs and a much shorter neck. At about 18 inches in length, Green Herons are among the smallest herons.

Habitat/Range/Diet: The Green Heron is one of the most widespread herons in North America. Despite its presence throughout most of southern Canada and the United States, the Green Heron is solitary, elusive and can be hard to observe.

Green Herons are found throughout the lower 48 states, except for much of Montana and Wyoming. It is most common in the southern United States. Green Herons can be found in a variety of wetland habitats, from the swamps and marshes of the Florida Everglades, to ponds, lakes, and even fast-moving rapids and streams. Green Herons prefer wetlands with dense vegetation where they can ambush prey. Green Herons have been observed using objects such as twigs to lure prey to the surface of the water. Green Herons eat fish, crabs, insects and small amphibians.