Stocky and compact heron. Often tucks neck into its body creating a hunchbacked look. Adults have a black cap and back that contrasts with its whitish to pale gray belly and gray wings.
Thick-necked heron with a thick bill. Juveniles are brown and streaky overall. Note pale yellowish bill.
Squat heron with hunchbacked posture, flat head, and fairly short legs.
Juveniles are brown overall with heavy blurry streaking on their neck and white spotting on their wings.
Immature birds have a mix of juvenile and adult plumage. This individual has faint streaking on the chest, a dark gray cap, and a nearly complete dark gray back.
Flies with its neck tucked in with only part of its feet trailing behind. In flight, note pale underparts.
Residents in southern South America are darker brown overall with a gray cap.
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Black-crowned Night-Herons are small herons with rather squat, thick proportions. They have thick necks, large, flat heads, and heavy, pointed bills. The legs are short and, in flight, barely reach the end of the tail. The wings are broad and rounded.
Larger than a Green Heron; smaller and thicker-bodied than a Great Egret.
between crow and gooseHerons, Egrets, and Bitterns(Order: Pelecaniformes, Family: Ardeidae)
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