Bill Description: Dark on top, sharp, heavy

Leg Color: Yellow; bright orange (breeding) 

Other Key Characteristics: Greenish-black crown, green-gray back, chestnut neck. Shorter neck than other herons. Immature white undersides with brown streaking. 

Status: Resident, common

Reproduction Cycle: March - June, 3- 4 pale blue eggs, weak stick platform. Will nest in colonies with same or mixed species.

Distribution: Breeds: central and eastern U.S.A., Pacific coast. Winters: coastal California to southern Arizona, Texas, Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast to South Carolina.

Habitat: Freshwater or brackish marshes with wooded cover.

Diet: Primarily consume small fish. Also eat crustaceans, mollusks, and a variety of insects.

Call: Sharp kyowk or skyow.

Fun facts: Have learned to fish by dropping insects into the water to attract minnows. Normally seen in frozen position near pond or stream edge. 

Information found here: Florida Master Naturalist Program