Help to identify this bird ?

<p>Hi Folks !<br>

I took this photo of a very cranky-looking bird here in Visalia (Central Valley) California several years ago. I am doing a set of bird photo cards for a friend, and I'd like to know as much as possible about this particular bird. He or she bird just plopped down in the upper branches a peach tree by our pond. Can anyone of you ladies and gentlemen tell me what this bird is? Sex ? (of the bird,) Range?<br>

Here is the link to the photo :<br>

http://www.photo.net/photo/17945525<br>

Thanks so much for any help!</p>

<p> </p>

<p>It's really hard to tell from this single image but, it appears to be an immature Green Heron. Maybe someone else can provide a more positive ID. </p>

<p>I'd agree with a Juvenile <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_heron">Green Heron</a>. The Night Herons have a similar look as juveniles, but not with the yellow eye or bill. Indeterminate gender. </p>

<p>I took a look at some other photos, and as Mark suggests, most likely an immature Green Heron. Take a look<a href="http://www.arkive.org/green-heron/butorides-virescens/image-G95390.html"> here</a> for some other photos and information. I doubt you'd be able to tell males from females at this age.</p>

<p>Good call Mark.</p>

You might be interestd in a software fieldguide that works with iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows.

 

iBird.com

<p>It certainly looks like an immature heron. The yellow bill is consistent with green herons and so is the location: California Central Valley.</p>

I agree...Green Heron. The difficulty is that this bird has very recently fledged; showing few field marks. The striped neck does match immature Green Heron. Bill shape matches immature although is a bit short , but will grow longer. The only other possibility is Black-crowned Night-Heron but nothing really matches that. The size difference between the two species is tremendous and Green Herons are much smaller.

 

Shapes and patterns are MUCH more useful for identification than color. Newbie birders often try to match colors, but this can often be a handicap.