Black Crowned Night Heron

Heron Species Types of Birds American Bittern Great Blue Heron Great Egret Green Heron Snowy Egret West Coast Herons

Both appearance and behavior account for the naming of the Black-crowned Night Heron.

It is a small, stocky bird that stands about two feet tall. Its red eyes compliment its black crowned head.

The remainder of the body is a black except for the white or light colored front side.

Black-crowned Night Herons are social birds that live and nest in colonies.

They commonly feed during the night hours, however, it is not all that unusual to see some out fishing during the day by the edge of the water. Like most herons, they prefer fish, but they also suppliment their diet with local insects, amphibians and small rodents.

Since they are very patient hunters you can often slowly approach them in a ten to fifteen foot range for a good picture.

© 2006. Patricia A. Michaels