The green heron (Butorides virescens) is a small, stocky wading bird, common in wetlands across much of North America. It was long considered conspecific with its sister species the striated heron, and together they were called "green-backed heron". The Green Heron is one of the few tool-using birds. It commonly drops bait onto the surface of the water and grabs the small fish that are attracted. It uses a variety of baits and lures, including crusts of bread, insects, earthworms, twigs, or feathers. The male and female are similar, but the female is slightly smaller, duller, and lighter.
