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Black-crowned Night-Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax ORDER: PELECANIFORMES FAMILY: ARDEIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

With a range that spans five continents, including much of North America, the Black-crowned Night-Heron is the most widespread heron in the world. It is most active at dusk and at night, feeding in the same areas that other heron species frequent during the day.

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Appearance

Herons
Herons
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized, stocky heron.
  • Short neck and thick black bill.
  • Black cap and back.
  • Wings gray.
  • Underparts white.

Immature Description

Brown with white spots on the wings and broad, indistinct streaks on the underparts. Bill mostly yellow.

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Black-crowned Night-Heron Range Map
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Similar Species