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Species Spotlight:
Green Heron
Wetlands, streams, lakes, and rivers are all important habitats for many kinds of birds, especially during nesting and migration. One bird that likes to use Oklahoma during the nesting season is the green heron, Butorides virescens. Both male and female green herons have russet-colored feathers around their throat, dark blue- black feathers on their backs, and a dark blue crest on their head, which they will raise when they become excited. They also have yellow- or orange-colored legs. They are smaller than other herons and don’t have the long necks that other herons typically have. In fact, they mainly keep their head tucked close to their body.
Green herons can usually be found wading in the water. They are crepuscular, which means that they tend to be the most active during dawn and dusk. Their diet consists of fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. These fascinating birds have been known to use tools to help them attract prey. They will drop objects, such as feathers or insects, into the water to lure curious fish to the surface before using their long sharp bills to grab them.
Green herons are not found in Oklahoma year-round but will visit during the summer. Like many other birds, they will head for warmer weather during the winter, migrating to Mexico, Central America, and South America. During nesting season, males and females together will build a nest of sticks either on the ground or in a tree. The female will lay 3-7 pale green eggs and both parents will care for the young. They have a few different calls; one of them has been described as a “skoew” sound. It is important to keep our habitats clean not only for the creatures that live there, but also for the ones that may only visit for a short period of time.
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