Black-crowned Night Heron
Image: elah2212 (cc-by-nc)
NameBlack-crowned Night Heron
Common NameBlack-crowned Night Heron
Scientific NameNycticorax nycticorax
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)111
Length (cm)62
Weight (g)750
Plumage DetailsAdults have a black crown and back, pale gray wings, and white underparts, with red eyes and short yellow legs. Juveniles, like the one pictured, are mottled brown with heavy white streaks and spots, and duller yellow-green legs and eyes.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, harsh 'quok' or 'kwak' call, often given in flight at night.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers, estuaries, coastal areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread globally, found across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In North America, it breeds across most of the U.S. and southern Canada, migrating south for winter.
Identifying Featuresstocky build, nocturnal habits, adult black cap and back, juvenile streaky brown plumage, red eyes (adults), harsh 'quok' call
Description
A stocky, medium-sized heron, typically nocturnal, spending days roosting in trees or dense vegetation. It has a hunched posture and a relatively short, thick neck compared to other herons.
