Species · GBIF taxon 2480863
Black-crowned Night Heron
Nycticorax nycticoraxAlso known as Black-capped Night Heron, Night Heron, Quawk
These stocky, short-necked herons spend the daylight hours hunched quietly among dense foliage near water, emerging at dusk to hunt with stealthy patience. They use a distinctive crouched posture and large, ruby-red eyes to spot movement in the dark, often uttering a loud, bark-like call as they fly. During the breeding season, adults grow long, elegant white plumes from the back of their black crowns to display during courtship rituals.
NocturnalWetland HunterSocial Nester
- diet
- Carnivorous, eating fish, frogs, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and small mammals
- family
- Ardeidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, wetland degradation, water pollution, and disturbance at nesting colonies
- life Span
- 10 to 15 years in the wild
LC
Capable of delivering a sharp, defensive jab with its bill if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
Possesses a powerful, dagger-like bill capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds if the bird feels threatened.
Never attempt to handle or corner an injured heron; contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead.- Listen for Calls: Listen for their harsh, frog-like 'quok' vocalization at dusk to locate them in flight.
- Scan the Shallows: Look for their hunched silhouettes along the edges of ponds and marshes just after sunset.
- Respect Nesting Colonies: Keep a wide distance from nesting rookeries to avoid causing parents to abandon their eggs.