Quick Answer
Yes, Green Herons are found in Virginia. The Green Heron (Butorides virescens) is a small heron species that breeds and summers throughout most of the eastern half of the United States, including Virginia. They are less common in western parts of the U.S. but can be found along the Pacific Coast as well during the summer breeding season. Virginia provides suitable wetland habitat that Green Herons utilize for nesting, foraging, and raising their young during spring and summer.
Green Heron Overview
The Green Heron is a relatively small heron, measuring approximately 17-19 inches in length with a wingspan of around 25 inches. Their feathers are mostly greenish-blue on the head and back, with a maroon-chestnut colored neck and breast. The bill is dark with a yellow lower mandible. The legs are yellowish.
Some key facts about the Green Heron:
- Weighs between 4-8 ounces
- Primarily eats small fish, amphibians, invertebrates
- Nest is a platform built from sticks, lined with twigs
- Lays 3-5 eggs per clutch
- Incubation period is around 3 weeks
- Young fledge the nest at around 18 days old
The Green Heron is somewhat unique among North American herons in that it is one of the smaller heron species and is able to perch and grasp food items with its feet. Its diet consists mainly of small fish, frogs, aquatic invertebrates, and insects.
Green Heron Habitat
Green Herons utilize small wetlands throughout much of North America during their breeding season. They nest in trees near wetland areas and will forage along the wetland edges and in shallow water for food.
Typical Green Heron breeding habitats include:
- Marshes
- Swamps
- Wooded ponds and lakes
- River edges
- Small streams
- Estuaries
Within these wetland areas, Green Herons seek out suitable nesting trees that provide concealment near aquatic foraging sites. They are adaptable to wooded wetlands in both rural and urbanized areas. Outside of the breeding season, they may utilize a wider variety of wooded habitats near water sources.
Green Heron Range and Distribution
The Green Heron breeds across most of the eastern half of the United States, ranging:
- From southern Canada south to the Gulf Coast and Mexico
- From the East Coast westward to the Great Plains states
On the West Coast, their range extends from southern British Columbia to Baja California.
They are migratory over the northern parts of their range, wintering in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
Here is a map showing the range of the Green Heron in North America:
Image source: Wikipedia
As the map indicates, Green Herons occupy and breed in suitable wetland habitats throughout the state of Virginia during spring and summer. They can be locally common in areas where marshy, swampy, and riverine environments provide them with suitable nesting and foraging habitat.
Green Herons in Virginia
Virginia provides prime habitat for Green Herons in the form of swamps, marshes, ponds, estuaries, and slow-moving rivers and streams. Some key areas where Green Herons can be found breeding in Virginia include:
- Coastal marshes along the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River
- Cypress swamps in the Great Dismal Swamp and along Blackwater River
- Wetlands within state parks such as Mason Neck State Park
- Edges of ponds and lakes throughout the state
- Floodplain wetlands along major rivers like the James River
Virginia’s Important Bird Area (IBA) program has designated several sites as being critical to Green Herons and other wading birds:
Important Bird Area | Location |
---|---|
Dutch Gap Conservation Area | Chesterfield County |
James River | Charles City County |
Leesylvania State Park | Prince William County |
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge | Northampton County |
Mason Neck State Park | Fairfax County |
Source: Virginia Important Bird Areas – Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
The extensive wetland habitats in these areas and others across the state provide ideal breeding and foraging grounds for Green Herons and make Virginia an excellent place to spot Green Herons from spring through late summer.
Spotting Green Herons in Virginia
When trying to observe Green Herons in Virginia, some of the best places to look include:
- Along the marshy edges of tidal rivers and estuaries, like the James River and York River
- In swamps and flooded timber, like Dismal Swamp and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- Near farm ponds bordered by trees and shrubs
- Streamside in parks and protected natural areas
- Sheltered coves with overhanging vegetation along lakes and reservoirs
Search for a small, hunched heron perched motionless on a low branch or clump of vegetation near the water’s edge. Listen for their distinct sharp “skeow” call. Scan for the characteristic greenish-blue plumage of the back contrasting with the chestnut neck and yellow bill. With quiet patience, you may catch a glimpse of a Green Heron hunting for small aquatic prey or returning to feed nestlings at its arboreal nest site.
Conclusion
In summary, Green Herons are confirmed as present and breeding in suitable wetland habitats across the state of Virginia during spring and summer. The extensive marshes, swamps, and coastal areas in the state provide ideal nesting and foraging habitat for this species. With a bit of knowledge about their preferred hangouts and a sharp eye, Virginia birders have an excellent chance of observing Green Herons in their breeding range across the state. Their presence is a good indication of healthy local wetland ecosystems.