Black-crowned Night Heron
NameBlack-crowned Night Heron
Common NameBlack-crowned Night Heron
Scientific NameNycticorax nycticorax
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)101
Length (cm)62
Weight (g)750
Plumage DetailsAdults have a black crown and back, pale grey wings, and white underparts. They possess distinctive red eyes and short yellow legs. Juveniles are streaky brown with duller eyes and legs.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, hoarse 'kwok' or 'quawk' call, often given in flight, especially at night.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers, coastal areas, estuaries
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNearly cosmopolitan, found across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, typically in temperate and tropical regions.
Identifying Featuresstocky build, nocturnal activity, black crown and back (adults), red eyes (adults), yellow legs, distinctive 'kwok' call
Description
The Black-crowned Night Heron is a stocky, medium-sized heron with a hunched posture, often active at dusk and night. It typically stands motionless at the water's edge, waiting to ambush prey.
