Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in swamps, ponds, rivers, marshes, or lakes, usually in or near forested areas.
Distribution: Breeding range includes Baja California, Mexico, and most of the United States; more locally distributed or absent in areas of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. Also breeds in New Brunswick and in the extreme southern portions of the southern tier of Canadian provinces (i.e., British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec). Generally winters from southern Arizona, southern Texas, the Gulf coast states, and South Carolina south throughout its breeding range; also winters locally on the west coast north to southwestern British Columbia (A.O.U. 1998).
Field Marks: Except for the Least Bittern, this is our smallest heron. Note white streak down center of throat and neck, reddish or chestnut color on sides & back of neck, and otherwise dark green (or bluish-gray) back and head.
Nest Habits: More likely to breed singly than other herons, but sometimes may breed in small colonies. Nest may be placed up to 30 feet high in small tree or thicket, and consists of a platform of sticks that is lined with twigs, vines, and other vegetation.
Eggs: 2-7, usually 2-4; 38 millimeter; pale bluish-green or light green in color.
Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation usually lasts about 21-25 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 34-35 days old.
