A somewhat small stocky wading bird, the green heron loves the water.
As with other wading birds, the green heron will stand motionless waiting for small fish to approach, then they quickly strike their prey.
A green heron is one of the few birds that will drop bait onto the surface of the water to attract small fish. They then strike with a quick thrust of their bill. They also eat frogs, worms, insects as well as other small animals.
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Green heron adults have a dark green crown with a maroon neck. In certain light they can appear black in color
Green herons are beautiful birds. Adults have a dark green crown with a maroon neck. In certain light they can appear black in color. A strip of white runs neck to stomach. A thin strip of green feathers runs along the back of the head. The rest of their body is mostly greenishgray.
They have long yellow legs and a long neck that is still shorter than most herons. Their bill is long and dark. A juvenile green heron is mainly brown throughout its body.
Several green herons visit my backyard daily, especially when the boat comes in after a day of fishing. They know that means free food as we empty out the bait well and feed them. Before the boat even reaches the dock they are lined up on the seawall waiting for what they have been accustomed to for several years.
Green herons feed all day long but not so much at night. It will frequently announce his presence by a loud squawking noise.
The green heron frequents "Ski Alley" near Stump Pass and Boca Grande is home to many green heron during the winter. They like to sit on or near mangroves, often going unnoticed because they blend so well with their surroundings.
Along the shoreline, these birds strut and thrust their head back and forth while walking and hunting. They stalk their prey before they strike in an instant. They have to be fast in order to survive.
The green heron is a social bird and with little fear of humans. They often live and hunt for food in people friendly spots.
