ExploreBirds

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

The Yellow-crowned Night Heron is a beautiful bird with a striking yellow crown. It loves to hunt for food at night and can often be seen near water looking for tasty crabs and frogs.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Yellow-crowned Night Heron has a stocky, grey body with a distinctive black head marked by a white cheek patch and a pale yellow crown. Its piercing red eyes stand out against its dark plumage, and it has sturdy yellow legs. Unlike other herons, it has a shorter, thicker bill perfect for its diet.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyArdeidaeGenusNyctanassa
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
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Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby herons are born with fluffy brown feathers, not grey!

Some Yellow-crowns travel thousands of kilometers each year!

Their scientific name, Nyctanassa, means 'night queen'!

They use their sturdy bill to flip over rocks looking for food!

Special abilities

Ability

Night Vision Ninja

Yellow-crowned Night Herons can see in very low light because of their specialized large red eyes, that helps them hunt at night.

Ability

Crab Cracker

Yellow-crowned Night Herons have a strong, pointed bill and powerful neck muscles that helps them catch and crack open tough crab shells.

Ability

Stealthy Stalker

Yellow-crowned Night Herons can stand incredibly still for long periods because of their patient hunting style, that helps them ambush unsuspecting prey.

Measurements & details

Length
55-70 cm
Wingspan
100-112 cm
Weight
0.5-0.8 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
21-25 days
Migration Distance
2000 km

Diet & Feeding

These herons mostly munch on tasty crabs and other crunchy critters found near water.

Primary Foods

  • crabs
  • crayfish
  • shrimp
  • small fish
  • frogs
  • insects

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch birds from a distance and don’t try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Yellow-crowned Night Heron?

55-70 cm

What is Yellow-crowned Night Heron's wingspan?

100-112 cm

How much does Yellow-crowned Night Heron weigh?

0.5-0.8 kg

How long does Yellow-crowned Night Heron live?

10-15 years

How fast can Yellow-crowned Night Heron move?

40 km/h

What does Yellow-crowned Night Heron eat?

These herons mostly munch on tasty crabs and other crunchy critters found near water.

Where is Yellow-crowned Night Heron usually found?

Wetlands

How does Yellow-crowned Night Heron hunt?

Ambush

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Where to spot

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