Green herons: Fishing specialists

Published 9:39 am Sunday, March 21, 2021

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When green herons (Butorides virescens) are young they look a little more green. The pictured adult bird is in a resting position, but it can stretch its neck out about the same length as its body.

Green herons are one of the few birds of the world that use tools. “Don’t be green with envy, but to ‘fish,’ these birds don’t require rod, reel, tackle or even a fishing license,” stated USFWS. “They ‘fish’ by dropping objects such as, feathers, insects or found food substances on the surface of water to attract small fish.”

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