ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Black-crowned Night Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron 

black-crowned night heron

The black-crowned night heron, a state-listed threatened species, once occured in marshes and swamps throughout Ohio. The species has been eliminated as a mainland nester and presently is relegated to the Lake Erie Islands. They presently nest on West Sister Island NWR and Turning Point Island in Sandusky Bay.

 


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Black-crowned Night Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax

At-a-Glance

• Peak Breeding Activity: April-June

• Incubation: 24-26 days

• Clutch Size: 3-5 eggs

• Young Fledge: 6-7 weeks after hatching

• Typical Foods: fish, leeches, earthworms, aquatic and terrestrial insects
Description
The black-crowned night-heron is a stocky, thick-billed, and short-legged bird. When seen, it is usually hunched and inactive. The adult can be identified by its blackish back and black cap in contrast to pale gray underparts. The eyes are red and the legs are yellow or yellow-green. During the breeding season, they develop two long, white head plumes and their legs turn pink.

Habitat and Habits
These largely nocturnal herons are likely more common than suspected, but tend to hide in thick vegetation during the day. At night, they often give a very distinctive, deep quawk call that reveals their presence. These herons are often found roosting in thick vegetation along streams, lakes, and wetlands. They are hardy and sometimes overwinter in favored spots.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Black-crowned night-herons frequently breed in mixed colonies with other herons. Nest construction begins usually during April or May. Most young hatch during May, while the last nesting attempts may not produce young until the first half of June.