Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax megacephalus

The Black-crowned Night Heron, scientifically known as Nycticorax megacephalus, is a medium-sized heron found in coastal and freshwater wetlands of the Americas. This bird is characterized by its black crown and back, gray wings, and short yellow legs. It is a nocturnal hunter, feeding on fish, insects, and small mammals. The Black-crowned Night Heron is known for its distinctive hoarse squawk and its habit of standing motionless at the water's edge, waiting to ambush prey. This species is often observed in urban and suburban areas, nesting in colonies in trees or shrubs near water bodies.

Habitat: Coastal and freshwater wetlands