Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

Family: Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns · Status: Uncommon resident · Size: 58–65 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds worldwide except Australia and Antarctica; most northerly populations winter south.

Identification

Non-breeding adult has greyish-white plumage with contrasting black crown, mantle and scapulars, yellow legs, whitish nape plumes and mostly blackish bill. Breeding adult has glossed bluish-green mantle and scapulars and reddish legs. Juvenile is duller brown with white-spotted upperparts and streaked crown, head-sides and underparts. Has a shorter and thicker bill than Little Heron.

Habitat

Marshes, mangroves, canals and waterbodies near parks and gardens.

Behaviour

Highly gregarious; forages mainly from dusk to dawn, avoiding competition with day-active herons.