Beak of the Week – Green Heron

This week’s Beak is often referred to as “daggerlike,” a perfect tool in the hunt for fish and amphibians. Green Herons are a short, compact heron who often prefer to stand on water’s edge vegetation as opposed to wading in the water like other members of its Ardeidae family. Green Herons tend to favor small fish like minnows, perch, and even goldfish as well as varying species of crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, rodents, and other critters when the opportunity arises. As the longer-legged herons wade further into deeper water, Green Herons are almost always observed hunting in the shallows of marshes and swamps, with the potential to also plunge on prey in deeper water from above. Interestingly enough, this species has been known to use other foraging techniques like luring fish with twigs, bread crusts, or small insects, before piercing their prey with a quick strike.

Unlike other herons, Green Herons are much more solitary and mostly develop territories away from other species and individuals, unlike the colonial breeding herons found at rookeries across the Texas coast (e.g. Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary). Courtship involves outstretched necks, the snapping of bills, exaggerated flapping of wings, and loud, enthusiastic calls. During the breeding season, the male will begin constructing the nest in order to establish territory, and then pass on nest-building responsibility after finding a responsive mate. Many obligate and facultative wetland species of tree are suitable for nest-building, and the structure can range from ground level to around 25-30 ft suspended. Male Green Herons will also occasionally select previously used nest sites of smaller herons and egrets. Clutch size ranges from 3-5 eggs of a pale blue color, resembling Great/Snowy Egret eggs but only about 1.5 inches long and 1 inch in width.

At first glance or with uncooperative lighting, Green Herons may resemble Least Bitterns, especially due to a resembling general impression of size and shape of the two species. Green Herons, however, have an overall bluish-green plumage on their back and wings as opposed to a Least Bittern’s blackish-green back and crown. Additionally, Least Bitterns have a striped straw-colored neck while Green Herons have a chestnut-colored neck. Even in juvenile plumage, Green Herons possess their greenish plumage and are overall a larger bird then Least Bitterns.

While some individuals will migrate through Texas to the eastern extent of their range on the Atlantic Coast or the western extent in California, Green Herons are a year round species on the Gulf Coast. Those wishing to observe Green Herons may find fortune at our High Island sanctuaries with a careful eye in and around our wetlands and ponds. Green Herons are often found in shallow water, concealed vegetation, and on banks. Their harsh “skeow” call is also a great indicator.