29. Green Heron

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.