Butorides virescens

Also known as Green-backed Heron, Fly-up-the-creek, Little Green Heron

Green herons are small, stocky wading birds known for their remarkable intelligence, occasionally using twigs, insects, or feathers as bait to lure small fish. They typically hunt from a hunched, motionless posture along shaded water edges, exploding forward with sudden neck extension to spear prey. When startled, they raise a shaggy crest and emit a sharp, piercing alarm call.