Phil’s Photo Monday

Black Crowned Night Heron

Cool Facts

Young Black-crowned Night-Herons often disgorge their stomach contents when disturbed. This habit makes it easy to study its diet.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron may nest in the same tree with ibises or other herons.

Adult Black-crowned Night-Herons apparently do not distinguish between their own young and those from other nests, and will brood chicks not their own.

Habitat

Marsh

Various wetland habitats, including salt, brackish, and freshwater marshes, swamps, streams, lakes, and agricultural fields.

Food

Fish

Aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, lizards, snakes, rodents, eggs, and other foods.

Nesting

Nesting Facts

Clutch Size

1–7 eggs

Egg Description

Greenish

Condition at Hatching

Eyes open, partially covered in white and gray down.

Nest Description

A platform of sticks placed in tree or cattails. Nests colonially; more than a dozen nests may be in a single tree.

Nest Placement

Tree

Behavior

Stalking

Grasps prey; does not stab with bill.

Conservation

status via IUCN

Least Concern

Overall, populations stable. Because of wide distribution and feeding habits, the Black-crowned Night-Heron is an excellent indicator of ecosystem health. You can help scientists learn more about this species by participating in Celebrate Urban Birds!

Source: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-crowned_Night-Heron/lifehistory