Green Heron Butorides virescens

Identification
This small heron has greenish plumage and a dark cap. It is secretive and often hidden.

Location
Common statewide

Size
0.5 pounds

Diet
It feeds on fish insects and amphibians.

Habitat
It occurs in wetlands and streams.

Activity Period
April to October

Behavior
It uses tools such as bait to catch fish. It migrates south in winter.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring.

Population
The population is stable statewide.

History
It has long been present in Ohio.

Human Interactions
It rarely interacts with humans.

Facts
It is one of the few birds known to use tools.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Fish insects amphibians | Wetlands streams ponds | Statewide