Physical Description/ Interesting Biology
It is obvious when a Green Heron has been disturbed because it protests loudly and bursts out of the water to rush into the underbrush to escape. Adults may even snarl if an intruder happens upon their nest. Otherwise, these birds are often quietly stalking among the water plants, looking for prey.
This heron forages alone by freezing
still in the water and waiting for small, slow aquatic prey to cross its path when it briskly strikes with its bill. It may forage in open water as well as near the bank, but escapes danger by retreating to vegetation. birds facts The Green-backed Heron is capable of adapting to many kinds of aquatic habitats; it is agile and can maneuver deftly through the tangled sort of plants that often grow in or near water.
Green Herons come together to breed in pairs and occasionall
y in colonies where there are dense populations. They build loose platform nests in trees or other vegetation hanging 1 to 5 meters up over the water. Female Green Herons in countries like Costa Rica lay 2 pastel bluish green eggs per clutch; birds in more northern populations lay 4 to 5 eggs at a time, and some suggest that clutches with as many as 6 eggs may be laid by more than one female. More
Males and females of this species have similar plumage, although males are relatively larger. Both have small, stout bodies with long legs and a short, shaggy neck. Are Birds Mammals? They are named for their lustrous, dark green back and wings; the belly is gray below a white throat and neck stripe. They have a flat crest of a darker green, and brownish maroon on the face and sides of the neck. In southwestern Costa Rica and Panama, individuals of this species may be a solid brown.
The eyes, feet, legs, and lower part of the bill contrast in bright yellow.
