The green heron is a secretive and small heron species. What it lacks in size however it makes up for in intelligence. It is particularly well-known for how it uses its smarts when hunting for food. So what do green herons eat? Read on to find out.
Meet The Green Heron
Unlike its taller cousin the great blue heron the green heron is a relatively short and stocky bird. This species gets its name from its greenish iridescent back. It can also be identified by its black cap, a chestnut neck that includes a white line going down it, and yellow legs. The green heron is native to both North and Central America. It normally lives in areas that are close to small bodies of freshwater that are lined with vegetation.
What Do Green Herons Eat?
The diet of the green heron consists mainly of small fish. They will also eat various crustaceans, insects, tadpoles, frogs, snails, and worms. Green herons eat small rodents and snakes as well. They are opportunistic and therefore will take advantage of what prey items are available. Because of this, they may sometimes decide to make a quick meal out of backyard pond fish.
How Do Green Herons Catch Fish?
Similar to other heron species green herons often catch fish and other animals by slowly wading or even standing still. When the prey is close enough they impale it with their beak and swallow it whole. Additionally, green herons are also known to drown larger prey items such as frogs before swallowing them.
However, what sets them apart from almost all other birds in the world is the fact that green herons use tools to help them hunt fish as well. Amazingly they will place things such as feathers, tiny twigs, crusts of bread, or insects on top of the water. These work as bait to help lure fish into striking distance so they can be caught and gobbled down by the heron.
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