*Oology is a branch of ornithology studying bird eggs, nests and breeding behaviour. The word is derived from the Greek oion, meaning egg.

29. Green Heron

This part of the Stanislaus Audubon Website is focused on 44 common Central Valley nesting species with background about their nesting habits. Please check the Great Valley Museum Central Valley Egg Collection starting page for links to all the featured species.

GREEN HERON NESTING INFORMATION (From birdsoftheworld.org)

Nests - Nests in various habitats providing secluded nest sites and wetland feeding habitat: swamps, marshes, lakes, ponds, human-made or human-regulated habitat such as storm-water control impoundments and retention basins, even in dry woods and orchards in farmlands if feeding sites available. Nests in protected sites within trees or bushes. May nest in both aquatic and terrestrial sites in same area. Male initially begins nest construction. After pairing, male gathers nest material for female who does most of construction.
Eggs - Elliptical to subelliptical. Initially clear, pale green to bluish, becoming duller and chalkier during incubation period. Clutch size generally 3 to 5 eggs.
Incubation - generally 19-21 d from last egg. Both parents incubate and attend nest equally after full clutch.
Fledging - Semialtricial, with limited movement but eyes open. Leave nest at 16-17 d. Flying at 21-22 d.

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