The Green Heron is one of very few birds documented to use tools — it drops insects, feathers, or twigs onto the water surface as bait to lure fish. It is a small, compact heron that hunches low over the water and can extend its neck to an astonishing length when striking. Despite its name the plumage is primarily deep chestnut with a dark greenish back.
Best time to see a Green Heron
The best time to see a Green Heron is April–August, when about 71% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 93,250 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Green Heron? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Green Heron sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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