The green heron resides predominantly in the peninsula at the southern end of North America. Breeding grounds spread across the eastern US and along the western coast to the northern Pacific region. They reside year-round through most of Florida. In a video from Orlando Wetlands Park, a green heron shows off its fishing prowess.
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The “graceful” display netted a tiny fish, even though it was difficult to see. Although the fishing method may be questionable, its effectiveness is beyond measure. The patience it takes to dangle precariously from above, waiting for a fish to swim in the proper position, is a skill. When the bird drops unceremoniously onto the prey, the surprise attack succeeds.
While we poke fun at this stretchy hunter, we should also mention that the green heron is genuinely a resourceful bird. You may also hear them called the Galapagos Heron or the Striated Heron. What you don’t see in the video is that this heron may have used a fishing lure. The species is one of the only tool-using birds. They will drop feathers, insects, and bread crusts on the water as a fishing lure to attract small animals. Genius!
The oldest known green heron was just under 9 years old in 2021. Initially receiving its band in 2013, the bird was recorded near the same location in Texas during another banding operation.
The green heron may not be graceful when fishing, but it is effective. It uses this plunge method of fishing in deeper water. It usually fishes by standing still or wading in shallow waters, eating minnows, catfish, perch, shad, eels, and other shallow-water swimmers. Green herons will also feast on crustaceans, spiders, snails, frogs, and mice.
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