Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

The Black-crowned is the Night Heron most likely to be seen in South Dakota.  Less solitary than the Yellow-crowned Night Heron, they are often seen in large groups during the day, sitting motionless in trees or thickets.  Black-crowned Night Herons are also more nocturnal of the two species, feeding primarily at night.  

Habitat: Wide variety of fresh and salt-water habitats.

Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on fish, crustaceans, insects, amphibians, small rodents, small reptiles, small birds, and occasionally plant material. 

Behavior: Forages in shallow water, either standing still and waiting for prey to come within range, or walking slowly in search of food.  Will forage at any time of day, but is typically most active from dusk through dawn.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey Map

Song: Black-crowned Night Heron Song

Migration: Summers throughout much of the U.S. and southern Canada.  Winters along U.S. coasts, Mexico, and Central America.

Similar Species: Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Conservation Status: Expanding in both range and numbers after declining in the mid-20th century.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Black-crowned Night Heron

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Black-crowned Night Heron"

3) eNature.com: Black-crowned Night Heron

Photo Information: May 2003 - Lake Thompson, Kingsbury County, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Black-crowned Night Heron photos.