Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

Where’s Wildlife · Bird Field Guide

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

Look for a compact heron resting near water or standing still while watching for prey.

Black-crowned Night HeronView all 11 photographs ↗

Three Identification Clues

01 · FIELD MARK

Adults have a black crown and back with gray wings and pale underparts.

02 · FIELD MARK

A stocky shape, heavy bill, and neck often tucked close to the body.

03 · FIELD MARK

Young birds are brown with pale spots on the wings and streaking below.

Field Photographs

Range & Sightings

Seasonal Range

Explore breeding, migration, and wintering areas.

View Range Map ↗

Recorded Observations

Explore sightings on iNaturalist. Observation records are not a complete range map.

iNaturalist observation map ↗

Keep Learning

Compare several photographs, then listen to recordings to connect appearance with voice.

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