Black-crowned Night Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax · Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns
The Black-crowned Night Heron is a widespread, stocky heron with a global distribution, found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. These birds are primarily active from dusk through the night, often seen flying to foraging grounds or perched motionlessly near water during the day. Their distinctive appearance and nocturnal habits make them a unique sight in wetland environments.
Explore the full field guidewetland, nocturnal, colonial, medium-sized, stocky, red eyeswidespread, migratory, opportufish, amphibians, insects, sma
1421 calls·first heard Jun 27·last 13m ago
When it's heardpeak 8p · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Adults have a black cap and back, contrasting with gray wings and a whitish to pale gray belly. They possess striking red eyes and, during breeding season, long white plumes extending from the back of their head.
- Juveniles are distinctly different, appearing all brown with white spots initially, later developing streaked brown plumage. Their bills are yellow and black, and their eyes are yellow-orange, gradually deepening to red.
- Adults have entirely black bills, while immature birds have bills that are yellow and black.
- This heron has a stocky build with a relatively short neck and legs, often appearing hunched with its neck retracted, even in flight.