Green Heron

Butorides virescens Apr–Oct

A stocky heron with short legs, this bird has a misleading name since it only has very minimal green shading on its bluish gray wings. More eye-catching is the dark navy cap, along with the maroon color of the throat and chest which often displays a white stripe down the front. This bird is one of the few that uses tools, often luring fish by dropping insects and feathers onto the surface of the water.