A stocky medium-sized heron with gray body, black-and-white face, and bright yellow crown plume. Specialist crab predator.

Native status: Native; widespread

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 76–96 cm (30–38 in); wingspan 1.3–1.5 m
Weight1.4–2.6 kg (3–5.7 lb)
LifespanWild 12 years; oldest documented 17
OrderPelecaniformes
FamilyArdeidae

§ Encyclopedia

The yellow-crowned night heron is one of two species of night heron in the genus Nyctanassa. Unlike the black-crowned night heron, which has a worldwide distribution, the yellow-crowned is restricted to the Americas. It is known as the bihoreau violacé in French and the pedrete corona clara or yaboa común in some Spanish-speaking countries.

Source: Wikipedia — Yellow-crowned night heron Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive heron with white head, brown body, yellow bill, white wing patches.

Similar species. Great Blue Heron (gray-blue, larger). Tricolored Heron (smaller, blue head).

Voice. Generally silent; honks at colonies.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Fish, frogs, crustaceans.

Behavior. Solitary patient hunter. Often perches on logs and rocks in shallow water.

§ Range

Southeastern US, expanding north

§ Habitat

Coastal swamps, mangroves, salt marshes

§ Threats

Mangrove destruction, sea-level rise.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the yellow-crowned night-heron is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support mangrove conservation. Reduce coastal habitat destruction.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • IUCN Red List 2018