Butorides
Green Heron
The butorides are a bird species that are counted among the herons. The number of species in this genus is disputed. Here is the breakdown of Kuhlan et al. followed that in the standard work The Herons with Green Heron (B. virescens) and scarlet macaw (B. striata ) distinguish two types that belong to this genus.
Appearance
Both species are small, compactly built and dunkelrückige herons. Both have a relatively thick neck, a relatively well-built dark bill, short, thick legs. Essential distinguishing feature is that the Green Heron has a maroon neck while it is gray when scarlet macaw.
The Green Heron reaches a height 41-46 inches and weighs between 200 and 250 grams. When under very species-rich scarlet macaw, the size varies depending on the area of distribution. In South America, it is between 35 and 45 inches tall. In Africa, its size 40-41 inches and Australian scarlet macaw varies reach a height of 43 centimeters. African scarlet macaw weigh 193-235 grams.
In both species, the females are slightly smaller and also stained a little less colorful.
Distribution area
The Green Heron is found in North and Central America. In the north of its range it reaches even Canada. He also settled the Caribbean islands. The Scarlet Macaw is, however, one of the most widespread species of herons. He arrives in South America, Africa, Madagascar, the Indian Ocean islands, in the South. and East Asia, prior to the Indonesian islands, a number of Pacific islands and Australia. According to his very large distribution area numerous subspecies are distinguished.
Part of the populations of both species are non-migratory birds. Another part of the population moves to the breeding season in climatically more favored zones. At the Green Heron wanders especially the subspecies Butorides striata striata amurensis and butorides actophilus that breed in Russia, North Vietnam, northern Laos, northern Thailand, northern Cambodia, North and South Korea as well as in northern and southern China.
System
The classification of butorides species is debatable. It seems as if they are closely related to the crested herons and both genera are in turn closely related to the herons Ardea. New findings indicate that there is a zone in northern South America and southern Central America, where these species to breed with each other. It is therefore not impossible that the two species are conspecific. The lava herons, according Kushlan et al., A subspecies of the mangrove heron.