green heron

noun

: a small yellow-legged American heron (Butorides virescens synonym B. striatus) with a greenish back and chestnut neck and chest

called also green-backed heron

Examples of green heron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There is also habitat to support great blue herons, green herons, egrets, kingfishers and many different songbirds. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 28 June 2024 Some earlier-than-expected arrivals included a green heron in Wellfleet, a scarlet tanager in Eastham, a black-and-white warbler in Sandwich, and indigo buntings in Yarmouth and Orleans. BostonGlobe.com, 26 Apr. 2023 In the distance, a lone green heron skimmed the river's surface with an eye toward a morning meal. Gina Decaprio Vercesi, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2022 Noteworthy sightings included a green heron in Belchertown, a blue grosbeak in Hadley, and a yellow-bellied flycatcher in Easthampton. BostonGlobe.com, 2 Oct. 2021 Berkshire County: The region was highlighted by a golden eagle in New Ashford, a dickcissel at Linear Park in Williamstown, and a green heron in Lee. BostonGlobe.com, 17 Oct. 2021 Hampshire County: Some notable sightings were a Connecticut warbler in Northampton, a green heron, a Tennessee warbler and a dickcissel in Hadley, and a brant and a white-winged crossbill at the Quabbin headquarters in Belchertown. BostonGlobe.com, 23 Oct. 2021 Birders said the loon got a little spooked when a goose and a green heron at different times flew low to check it out. Washington Post, 6 May 2021 Highlights featured a red-headed woodpecker at Sibley Farm in Spencer and four sandhill cranes and a green heron at the Bolton Flats. BostonGlobe.com, 17 Apr. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of green heron was in 1785

Dictionary Entries Near green heron

Cite this Entry

“Green heron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20heron. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!