Butorides virescens virescens

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Green heron
French : Héron vert

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Ardeidae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach 48 cm in length for a weight of 260 g. Small heron with long black bill. Wings black to grey with clear edges on feathers, long iridescent feathers on back. Black crest, dark chocolate brown sides of neck and flanks. Two white lines from throat to belly.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs from south-east Canada to Panama and the Caribbean. Species also occurs from south Alaska to Baja California and Bahamas. Lives in mangroves, coastal areas, near lakes, ponds, streams, mudflats, to 4050 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species remains common to abundant in its huge range. Locally vulnerable to water pollution, loss of habitat and use of pesticides.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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