Black-crowned Night Heron Photo Gallery
Adult (American)
Stocky and compact heron. Often tucks neck into its body creating a hunchbacked look. Adult has a black cap and back that contrasts with its whitish to pale gray belly and gray wings.
© Melissa James / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, March 06, 2016Juvenile
Thick-necked heron with a thick bill. Juvenile is brown and streaky overall. Note pale yellowish bill.
© Evan Lipton / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, August 19, 2016Adult (American)
Squat heron with hunchbacked posture, flat head, and fairly short legs.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 04, 2012Not all videos have soundJuvenile
Juvenile is brown overall with heavy blurry streaking on the neck and white spotting on the wings.
© Evan Lipton / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, July 16, 2016Immature (American)
Immature has 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.
© Alex Lamoreaux / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, March 18, 2017Adult (American)
Flies with its neck tucked in with only part of its feet trailing behind. In flight, note pale underparts.
© Ignacio Zapata / Macaulay LibrarySanta Fe, October 21, 2019Adult (Dusky)
Residents in southern South America are darker brown overall with a gray cap.
© Marbry Hopkins / Macaulay LibraryTierra del Fuego, January 06, 2010Adult (Dusky)
Often stands motionless while watching for prey. Individuals in southern South America are darker below with a paler gray cap.
© Santiago Imberti / Macaulay LibrarySanta Cruz, November 10, 2016Habitat
Found in wetland habitats including estuaries, marshes, streams, lakes, and reservoirs.
© Daniel Jauvin / Macaulay LibraryQuebec, June 26, 2017Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns(Order: Pelecaniformes, Family: Ardeidae)
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