Species BirdsBlack-crowned Night-Heron

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

CommonBird
Illustration of Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Safety note: Nesting herons may strike with their bill — keep distance from rookeries.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron is the most widespread heron in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. It is primarily a crepuscular and nocturnal hunter, resting during the day in dense waterside vegetation. Its stocky, hunchbacked silhouette and red eyes are distinctive; young birds are streaky brown and easily confused with Bitterns.

Habitat
Freshwater and saltwater marshes, lake shores, and wooded swamps
Diet
Fish, frogs, crayfish, insects, and small rodents
How common
Common

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