by Barry Kent MacKay
The Green Heron (Butorides virescens) has often been described as “crow-sized,” and I think that is a fair comparison, although it is a crow with a disproportionately large front end, a long dagger-like bill, and long legs. Like all herons, it is something of a shape-changer. When resting it draws its neck tightly into the shoulders, giving the bird a compact, hunched appearance, but when alert it can extend that surprisingly long neck in an instant to strike at prey.
Although less colourful than the adult, the young bird is readily recognizable. Adults weigh about 240 grams (8½ ounces). The mature bird has a glossy black cap and rich chestnut neck, contrasting beautifully with the greenish upperparts.
Green Herons are generally more solitary than most other North American herons. They favor quiet waters where they hunt patiently from the water’s edge or from low branches overhanging the water. At other times they stalk their prey one deliberate step at a time through the shallows, at times using tools to bait to attract fish within striking distance. Their diet includes almost anything small enough to swallow and profitable enough to pursue: fish, frogs, salamanders, small reptiles, crayfish, aquatic insects, worms, leeches, and many other invertebrates.
Green Herons are seasonally monogamous. Although they usually nest as isolated pairs, they occasionally join loose colonies with other herons. The nest is a rather bulky platform of sticks, usually placed in shrubs or trees over or near water, although occasionally on the ground. Typically, two to six pale greenish-blue eggs are laid, and both parents share incubation and the care of the young. The juvenile in my painting is approximately one month old.
This painting, done in oils on compressed hardboard, is approximately life-size. I donated the original to a charity before recording its exact dimensions.
To be placed on Barry’s email list, please contact: Barry Kent MacKay, Bird Artist, Illustrator, Studio: (905) 472 9731, https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/barry-mackaymimus@sympatico.ca