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Nycticorax nycticorax
Black-crowned Night-heron
Black Crowned Night Heron
Florida native
Black-crowned night herons are found in nearly any wetland habitat in Florida, more common inland than along the coast. This is the most widespread heron in the world, appearing on five continents. It is absent from Australia and Antarctica and arid regions.
A medium-sized, stocky heron 58-66 cm (23-26 in.) long with a short neck and thick black bill. The top of the head (cap) and back are black, with gray wings and a white underside. They have red eyes, relatively short yellowish-green or pink legs and long narrow white plumes extending from the cap. The sexes are similar, with the female being slightly smaller. Immature Nycticorax nycticorax are brown with white spots and streaks overall, and a mostly yellow bill, helping differentiate it from young yellow-crowned night herons, which have an all black bill.
Nycticorax nycticorax is a member of the Ardeidae - Herons & Bitterns family.
For more information on this species, visit the following link:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds page for this species
Date record last modified: Apr 26, 2025
