Green Heron

Description:

A small, stocky wading bird, the Green Heron is common in wet spots across much of North America. It can be difficult to see as it stands motionless waiting for small fish to approach within striking range, but it frequently announces its presence by its loud squawking. It has a long dark pointed bill and keeps it neck pulled in tight to its body. The legs are long and yellowish. The Green Heron is one of the few tool-using birds. It commonly drops bait onto the surface of the water and grabs the small fish that are attracted. It uses a variety of baits and lures to fish, including crusts of bread, insects, earthworms, twigs, or feathers.

Habitat:

This frequent visitor just flew in to its favorite dead tree near the end of a city maintained retention pond. It sat motionless until I moved on down the walkway.