The Green Heron (Butorides virescens) is a small and stocky wading bird commonly found along the edges of ponds, marshes, streams, and wetlands throughout much of North America.
Recognizable by its dark greenish-black cap, chestnut-colored neck, and compact build, it is often seen perched quietly among shoreline vegetation before striking quickly at prey. Its diet consists primarily of small fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and aquatic insects.
Unlike many larger herons, the Green Heron frequently hunts from low perches and is one of the few bird species known to use bait, such as insects or feathers, to lure fish within striking distance.
