Description :  

It measures between 30 and 40 cm. Its forehead and crest are glossy greenish, while the neck, head, and sides are a vivid reddish-brown. The wings and back are slate-colored with greenish reflections, visible only under certain lighting conditions; these reflections give the bird its name. A white stripe runs from the throat to the chest along the midline. There is no sexual dimorphism between males and females. The beak is black.

Immature juveniles are duller than adults. Their bodies are light brown with white streaks, and their beaks are lighter, ranging from yellow to light brown.

The Green Heron is solitary and is commonly seen at dusk or even at night. However, individuals living near the sea adapt their hunting schedule according to the tides.

Reproduction occurs from February to November, and in tropical areas, there can be two broods per year.

Habitat

It is found throughout the Antilles and in parts of North, Central, and northern South America. It prefers calm aquatic environments with shrub vegetation, such as rivers, ponds, marshes, swamps, and mangroves. However, it can also occupy other habitats in order to find its prey.

Threat factor :

The Green Heron is common throughout its range and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, its population is declining due to the destruction of preferred habitats and the gradual loss of wetlands.