A rare bird to most of Ontario, the Black-crowned Night Heron has many interesting and distinct features
Identification
As the name suggests the distinctive feature of this bird is its black crown. When identifying this bird, the crown is clearly seen against the white cheek, fore-neck and underparts. The grey wings are also plainly visible against the white plumage. A second distinguishing feature of this bird are its red eyes. These eyes help to distinguish this heron from other small herons, such as the Green Heron, at first glance. Other features of the Black-crowned Night Heron include: short black tail feathers, pale yellow legs, and two white plumes which trail down from the crown and are longest during breeding season.
Range/Habitat
Generally only seen at the southern tip of the province during breeding season, this bird is sparse in the northern and central regions of Ontario. Within its range, the preferred habitats of this heron are much like that of the Great Blue Heron, which are: bulrush marshes, lake shores, and along slow-moving rivers.
Behaviour/Nesting
Feeding often at night and dusk, the hunting habits of the Black-crowned Night Heron are different from those of other herons. While most herons will stalk their prey before striking, the Black-crowned Night Heron will stand motionless and wait for its prey. Once the prey is close the heron will strike with its sharp bill. This heron feeds off: small fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and is one of the few herons which will feed off young birds. The nests of these herons are usually placed in trees or shrubs and consist of a loose platform of twigs and sticks lined with finer materials. These nests are constructed by the female with materials collected by the male. 3 to 4 pale green eggs are then laid within the nest and incubated for twenty-one to twenty-six days.
Migration/Best Sites
Most commonly seen through its region from early April to November, during its breeding season. A rare bird in the winter, most of these herons prefer to winter off the southwestern coast of Texas, but some have been seen wintering off the tip of Lake Erie. When watching for this bird the best locations in Ontario for spotting it are: Rondeau Provincial Park southeast of Chatham, the Niagara River, Cranberry Marsh between Bala and Port Carling, and along the Toronto Harbor.
Other Facts
During their early years of life the Black-crowned Night Heron and the Yellow-crowned Night Heron are often confused and mis-identified. To avoid this mistake there are a few features which set these two birds apart. Though the plumage patterns are similar, the colour of the Black-crowned is much darker making the white spotting much bolder. As well the neck of the Black-crowned is much thicker and the face coloring is less contrasted with the rest of the plumage then the Yellow-crowned Night Heron.
