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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fish
- Frogs
- Crayfish
Predators
- Raccoons
- Great Horned Owls
- Crows
ThreatsHabitat loss, wetland degradation, water pollution, and disturbance at nesting colonies
HabitatsFreshwater and saltwater wetlands, swamps, marshes, estuaries, and urban ponds
Life span10 to 15 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyArdeidae
- SpeciesNycticorax nycticorax
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a sharp, defensive jab with its bill if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses a powerful, dagger-like bill capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds if the bird feels threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a stocky, short-necked silhouette with a black cap, grey wings, and striking red eyes.
- What to do
- Never attempt to handle or corner an injured heron; contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Co-occurring Wader (c) lwolfartist, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Frequent Companion (c) Basar, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Charles J. Sharp , some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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