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Green Heron Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Compared with most herons, Green Herons are short and stocky, with relatively short legs and thick necks that are often drawn up against their bodies. They have broad, rounded wings and a long, daggerlike bill. They sometimes raise their crown feathers into a short crest.

    Relative Size

    About the size of an American Crow; smaller than a Black-crowned Night-Heron

    Relative Sizecrow sizedcrow-sized

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 16.1-18.1 in (41-46 cm)
      • Weight: 8.5 oz (240 g)
      • Wingspan: 25.2-26.8 in (64-68 cm)

    Shape of the Green Heron© Evan Lipton / Macaulay Library