GREEN HERON 
201. Butorides virescens. 17 in. 
Smallest of the family, except the Least Bittern. In 
breeding plumage, they are one of the most beautiful 
of herons. They may be found in marshes; along creeks 
or about the edges of shallow ponds or lakes. They 
are often seen sitting upon a partly submerged log 
sunning themselves, or waiting for a tempting frog or 
fish to pass within reach. When they are among rushes, 
they will usually attempt to escape observation by 
mimicking their surroundings, and they do so very suc- 
cessfully. When they are alarmed and take flight they 
utter a single sharp shriek. At other times they utter 
a series of hollow screams, “ qu-ick, qu-ick,’” and also a 
hollow croak. 
Nest.—In bushes, in communities or in company with 
other species in the south, but usually a few pairs nest 
in a locality in the northern states and Canada. Eggs 
pale bluish-green (1.45x 1.10). 
Range.—Breeds from the Gulf to Manitoba and Nova 
Seotia; winters in the Gulf States. 
