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.
Appearance
Herons
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.
Field MarksHelp
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Adult
- © Matt Bango, Great Kills Park, Staten Island, New York, June 2011
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Adult
- © Robinsegg, Bear River Bird Refuge, Utah, May 2009
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Juvenile
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Juvenile
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Juvenile
Similar Species
Adult
- © Kelly Azar, Chester County, Pennsylvania, April 2011