Green Heron
Butorides virescens

Size: 16-22"

Male: Short stocky heron with a blue-green back, and rusty red neck and chest. Has a dark green crest and short legs, which are normally yellow, but turn bright orange during breeding season.

Female: Same as male.

Juvenile: Similar to adults, with a blue-gray back and white-streaked chest and neck.

Nest: Female and male build platform nest. Two broods per year.

Eggs: 2-4; light green without markings

Incubation: 21-25 days; female and male incubate

Fledging: 35-36 days; male and female feed young

Migration: The Green Heron is a migrator and can be found in St. Charles County during the summer months.

Food: Fish, insects, and aquatic plants.