The majority of Canada's Green Heron population breeds on inland marshes in Ontario, where results from the Breeding Bird Survey suggest a moderate decrease in abundance since 1970. Although relatively adaptable in its diet and habitat needs, alteration of wetlands likely represent an important threat to this species (Davis and Kushlan 1994, Sandilands 2007a). This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
The causes of population declines in the Green Heron are rather poorly known, but loss and damage to wetland habitats are likely implicated (Davis and Kushlan 1994). Green Herons are thought to be a sensitive species, and are easily disturbed by human recreation. However, the species likely becomes habituated to human disturbance in urban areas (Moore et al. 2016). Nesting birds may be affected by drainage and disturbance of marshes, particularly in the small wetlands they prefer, but population-level impacts have not been measured, and little management effort has been focused on this species (Davis and Kushlan 1994).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.