Green-backed Heron

Butorides striatus Eco Pond
3-16-04 Photographed by: Grigoriy Arutyunyan
and Steve Kempton
Descriptive Information
- Field marks: The Green
Heron that was observed had dark green wings and the feathers were shingle-like
in appearance. The head of the bird was black in color and its neck was a
chestnut brown. The feet and legs were yellow in color.
- Size: It was difficult
to get exact quantitative measurements, so the following are rough estimates.
- Body length- 10 inches
- Height- 7 inches
- Beak length- 2.5 inches
- General habitat: The
Green Heron is normally found in marshy areas, wetlands, or close to rivers
and ponds.
- Geographic range: Nw.
US to Se. Canada to South America
- Ecosystem(s) where observed: Freshwater
marsh
- Diet: Fish, insects,
aquatic and terrestrial inverts. and lower verts.
- Field Observations:
The Green Heron was first spotted on the edge of Eco Pond
fishing with its spear-like beak. This great bird would perch up on some of
the surrounding dead cattail and look in the water for its next victim. When
one was in sight, the Green Heron would extend its neck out to spear the fish
into its mouth. From what we observed, the heron took six strikes at fish
in the water in a matter of 2-3 minutes. From what we observed it did not
have any success for it was quickly scared to a new location because of a
close by alligator on the hunt. Once in its new location, the Green Heron
was a patient and observant bird that kept itself inactive but also a close
eye on the approaching predator. Once the Alligator was surely out of harms
way, the heron returned to its fishing spot cautiously. From these observations,
it can be inferred that the Green Heron is a smart bird that waits and observes
its surroundings instead of bringing attention to itself. The Green Heron
is a beautiful product of creation and worthy of much more study and observation.
- References: National Audubon Society Field Guide
to Florida (pg 307)
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