Black Crowned Night Heron

Copyright: monacoeye • Danube Delta, Romania • May 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Black Crowned Night Heron
Latin: Nycticorax nycticorax
Other: Night Heron • Bihoreau Gris • Héron Bihoreau • Savacu (Br)
Family: Ardeidae • Herons
Range:

Some areas of the Danube Delta wetlands are home to great numbers of Black-crowned Night Herons - (simply “Night Herons” in Europe).

In the breeding season (top photo), feet turn reddish, irises turn brighter red and the herons grow a couple of plumes. In the top photo the Night Heron also seems to have brownish wings. At other times feet are yellow and wings light grey.

The juvenile Night Heron (below) has brown wings with white spots and a brownish neck with faint streaks.