There are two species of Night-Herons in the United States, the Black-crowned Night-Heron and the Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron. Both species are most often found near water.
The immatures of both species, along with the White-faced and Glossy Ibis, provide the most difficult identification challenges.
Check out the page dedicated to the juveniles of both species.
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Height 25 inches
Black-crowned Night Herons can be found throughout most of the United States.
Photograph © Sam Crowe
The Black-crowned Night-Heron is a distinctive species in adiult plumage. Plumes from head longest in breeding season.
Photograph © Sam Crowe
They are found near both fresh and salt water.
Photograph © Sam Crowe
The red eye is distinctive but not always easy to see.
Photograph © Greg Lavaty
Note the feet barely extend beyond the end of the tail. The legs are longer in Yellow-crowned, a useful ID tool for immature Night-Herons.
Note heavy spotting on wings and back of this juvenile Black-crowned Night -Heron. Bill is black and yellow.
Photograph © Greg Lavaty
Juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron. Two-tone bill.
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Height 24 inches
Range more limited than the Black-crowned, primarily eastern half of the country.
A rather worn Yellow-crowned. Compare the size and shape of the bill with the longer, more pointed bill of the Black-crowned. Photograph © Sam Crowe
Photograph © Greg Lavaty
Note feet extend well beyound the tail.
Photograph © Greg Lavaty
Juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Herons have a dark bill and less spotting on the sides than juvenile Black-crowned.
Photograph © Greg Lavaty
Legs much longer than Black-crowned.
Facts of Night-Herons
- They are not active only on the night, but also during a day.
- They feed maily on crustaceans, insects, small fish and other small animals found in or near water
- In some cultures, night herons are considered to be a symbol of good luck or prosperity
Read more: Comparisons of juvenile Black-crowned and Yellow-Crowned Night-Herons