Herons · Pelicans and herons
Black-crowned Night Heron
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Nycticorax nycticorax
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Voice
Call
Call
Call
How to recognize it
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Larger than a crow
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Adults: black cap and back, gray wings, white underparts
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Short neck and legs; sits motionless on a branch by day
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Loud, low call "quok"
About the species
Against pale grey wings and white underparts, the Black-crowned Night Heron’s black crown and back make a sharp contrast. Its red eyes and short yellow legs add two small points of color. In spring, two to four slender white plumes grow from the back of its head. It often rests with its neck hunched.
It waits still at the water’s edge and strikes when prey comes within reach, mainly at night, early morning, or evening. It may also toss floating objects onto the water to lure fish closer. By day it rests in dense trees or bushes. Nesting colonies can be noisy, with low, loud “quok” calls; when alarmed, it gives a higher cry resembling a cat’s meow.
Fresh- and salt-water wetlands are its main breeding habitat, and it nests in colonies among trees, bushes, or reedbeds. Fish, frogs, and aquatic insects make up much of its diet. In the northern parts of its range it migrates south for winter; farther south, it may stay year-round.
Where to find
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At a marsh edge, look for a Black-crowned Night Heron standing still by the water at night, early in the morning, or in the evening, waiting to ambush prey.
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By day, scan dense trees or bushes for a motionless resting silhouette.
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During the breeding season, listen for loud calls at colonies among trees or on sheltered islands; colonies may also be in reedbeds when the site is far from homes.
