Young Green Heron in Buttonwood on Ambergris Caye
Growing up in the safety of the Mangroves
Buttonwood trees (Conocarpus erectusare) very similar to mangroves, but most scientists do not consider them an actual mangrove. They can grow to 40 feet and are also salt tolerant as are the three species of mangroves. Buttonwoods also have two salt glands to give it its salt tolerance, a feature similar to its close relative, the white mangrove. However, they are usually found farthest upland, behind the white mangrove, where they are only inundated with saltwater during violent hurricanes.
But this guy couldn't care less what you call them.