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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. XX
Field-journal plate: Green Heron
The Green Heron plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate XX

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Ardeidae · Taxon 5020

Length41–46 cm (16.1–18.1 in)
Wingspan64–68 cm (25.2–26.8 in)
Weight240 g (8.5 oz)

Field marks

  1. Small, compact, stocky heron with a thick neck often held tightly retracted.
  2. Long, straight, daggerlike bill.
  3. Deep green to blue-green gloss on the back and crown; may look nearly black in dull light.
  4. Rich chestnut neck and breast, with a dark cap that may form a short crest.
  5. Dark gray rounded wings; juvenile birds are browner with pale neck streaking and pale wing spots.
  6. Orange-yellow legs and a short, square-tipped tail.

HabitatVegetated wetland edges, including ponds, marshes, swamps, streams, rivers, reservoirs, and estuaries; especially where trees, shrubs, or tall emergent vegetation provide cover.

BehaviorSolitary, patient stalker of small aquatic prey; typically stands motionless or moves slowly at the water’s edge, with the neck drawn in, then strikes with its bill.

Palette

deep greenchestnut browncharcoal grayblackorange-yellow