Also known as: Green-backed Heron
41-56 cm (16-22") Common. Lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, and streamsides.
Small, chunky, dark heron with short bright orange or yellow legs. Greenish-black crown; blue-green back; reddish-brown neck and chest. Immature have brown streaking on neck and belly. Neck often held close to body; looks crow-like in flight. Raises crest and flicks tail when excited.
Usually solitary.
Song: series of "kucks" and "skow" calls.