black crowned night heron

1. Bird Name:
The popular English name for this species is ‘Black-crowned Night Heron’ while the scientific or Latin name is ‘Nycticorax nycticorax’.

2. Appearance:
The Black-crowned Night Heron is distinguishable by its short neck and stout body. Adults flaunt a black crown and back, white underparts, and grayish wings. The heron’s neck has three long white plumes at the back that flutter in the breeze. Other striking features include red eyes framed with greenish-black legs, and a pointed, strong black beak. Juveniles have a brown shade with white spotting and streaking until their second year. There isn’t a pronounced difference in the appearance of males and females.

3. Size:
On average, they reach up to 25 inches (64 cm) in length. Their wingspan extends up to approximately 44 inches (112 cm). The bird’s weight varies between 1.8 to 2.8 lbs (800 – 1300 grams) depending upon the age and gender.

4. Habitat & Distribution:
The Black-crowned Night Heron is found on every continents except Australia and Antarctica, and residing within a variety of habitats. They show a strong preference for wet areas such as marshes, swamps, river edges, lakes, and seacoasts. However, they have also adapted to man-made environments such as fish ponds and rice fields.

5. Interesting Facts:
The Black-crowned Night Heron is a nocturnal bird, preferred to hunt at night and rest during the day. They exhibit a communal roosting behavior, often in the company of other birds species. These herons are also known to migrate in large groups to warmer environments during winter.

6. Diet:
Their primary food consists of fish and small aquatic animals which they capture with a swift bill thrust. They also feed on mollusks, crustaceans, insects, small mammals, and birds as well.

7. Behavior & Sounds:
The Black-crowned Night Heron is a solitary hunter but nests in colonies. They are known to steal food from other birds. Their call is a loud quok or woc sound which is commonly heard at night.

8. Conservation Status:
According to the IUCN Red List, their global status is listed as Least Concern due to their large and expanding populations.

9. Lifespan:
Black-crowned Night Heron’s lifespan varies between 15 to 20 years in the wild; in captivity, they can live up to 30 years with appropriate care.

10. Additional Notes:
In French, they are known as Héron bihoreau. In the ecosystem, they play a crucial role in controlling the population of rodents and harmful insects. Their feathers were once utilized in the millinery trade during the 19th century, which led to significant population decrease in some areas. However, protective laws brought them back from the brink of extinction. They are relatively unafraid of humans, often nesting in trees within city parks.