Nycticorax

A well-known group of night herons, medium-sized wading birds that are especially active during the evening, night, and early morning hours. The name Nycticorax comes from Greek, meaning “night raven,” referring to their nocturnal habits and their guttural, crow-like calls. These herons are widespread and adaptable, found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica, and have become iconic members of marshes, wetlands, and riverbanks around the world.

The most familiar species in this genus is the black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), which has a broad global range, spanning North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Adult black-crowned night herons are easy to recognize by their chunky bodies, short necks, and relatively short legs, as well as their distinctive plumage: grayish-white bodies, black backs and crowns, and bright red eyes. Juveniles, in contrast, are brown and heavily streaked, providing effective camouflage in reed beds and marshes.

What sets Nycticorax herons apart from other herons is their body shape and behavior. Unlike the long, elegant necks of great egrets or great blue herons, Nycticorax species have a more hunched posture and often appear stocky. They’re also known for being patient hunters, often standing motionless or moving very slowly while they wait for prey. Their diet includes fish, frogs, crustaceans, insects, and sometimes even small mammals or birds. This versatile feeding style allows them to thrive in a wide range of freshwater and coastal habitats.

Nycticorax herons are known for their gregarious nesting behavior. They often nest in colonies, sometimes alongside other wading birds like egrets, spoonbills, or ibises. Their stick nests are built high in trees, reeds, or even on human-made structures like bridges or rooftops. Despite their quiet hunting style, nesting colonies can be noisy and chaotic, especially during breeding season when chicks are begging for food.