Black-crowned Night Heron
NameBlack-crowned Night Heron
Common NameBlack-crowned Night Heron
Scientific NameNycticorax nycticorax
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)80
Length (cm)62
Weight (g)750
Plumage DetailsAdults have a glossy black crown and back, pale grey wings, and white underparts, with striking red eyes. Juveniles, like the one pictured, are mottled brown with pale streaks on the head, neck, and underparts, and have yellowish-orange eyes.
Vocalization / CallEmits a distinctive, loud, harsh 'quok' or 'kwak' call, especially when flying at night.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, swamps, estuaries, mangroves, lakes, rivers, coastal areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNearly cosmopolitan, found across much of the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, absent from Australia and Antarctica.
Identifying FeaturesStocky build with short neck and legs, Nocturnal foraging behavior, Adults: Black cap and back, grey wings, white belly, red eyes, Juveniles: Streaky brown plumage, yellowish-orange eyes, Distinctive 'quok' call, Often seen hunched over water
Description
A medium-sized, stocky heron with a short neck and legs, often seen hunched over water. Adults have a black crown and back, while juveniles are streaky brown, as seen in the image. This species is primarily nocturnal, foraging for food during the night.
