Black-crowned Night Heron

Brief Description

A medium-sized heron with a stocky build, short neck, and red eyes. It is primarily nocturnal, roosting in trees during the day.

Additional Information

• Region of Origin: Cosmopolitan distribution across North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia
• Typical Sighting Period: Year-round in warmer climates, summer months in temperate regions
• Plumage Details: Adults have a black crown and back, grey wings and tail, and white or pale grey underparts. They feature long white head plumes during breeding season.
• Ecological Significance: Acts as an opportunistic predator in wetland ecosystems, controlling populations of fish, crustaceans, and insects. It is also an indicator of aquatic environmental health.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN)
• Observation Tips: Look for them at dusk or dawn near the edges of freshwater or saltwater wetlands. During the day, they can often be found standing motionless in thick vegetation near water.