Black-crowned Night Heron
NameBlack-crowned Night Heron
Common NameBlack-crowned Night Heron
Scientific NameNycticorax nycticorax
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)112.5
Length (cm)62
Weight (g)650
Plumage DetailsAdults have a distinctive black crown and back, pale gray wings, and white underparts. They possess striking red eyes and short yellow legs. Juveniles are streaky brown with yellow eyes.
Vocalization / CallIts most common call is a distinctive, harsh 'quawk' or 'kwok', often heard as they fly at dusk or night.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers, estuaries, coastal areas, urban parks
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeGlobally widespread, found across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it one of the most broadly distributed heron species.
Identifying Featuresblack crown, black back, pale gray wings, red eyes (adults), stocky build, nocturnal foraging, short legs and neck
Description
The Black-crowned Night Heron is a stocky, short-necked heron with a hunched posture. It is primarily nocturnal, spending its days roosting in trees or dense vegetation and hunting at night.
