Black-crowned Night Heron

Butorides atricapilla

The Black-crowned Night Heron is a medium-sized heron found in wetland habitats across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. It has a stocky build, short yellow legs, and a black crown and back. During the breeding season, adults develop distinctive white plumes on the head and neck. These herons are primarily nocturnal, foraging at night for fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. They are known for their distinctive call, a loud, harsh squawk. Black-crowned Night Herons are adaptable and can be found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and coastal areas.

Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, swamps, coastal areas