Night-heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
The Night-heron is a rare but occasional visitor to Britain, typically seen during the summer months, particularly in the southern regions, and often found near coastal areas and wetlands. It is a medium-sized heron with a distinctive appearance, making it a sought-after sighting for British birdwatchers.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Night-heron in the field.
The Night-heron can be identified by its grey and white plumage, black crown, and distinctive white wings, as well as its relatively stocky build and short legs. Its black crown and white throat patch are also key distinguishing features.
The Night-heron is slightly larger than a Grey Heron, but smaller than a Little Egret, making it a medium-sized bird, approximately 58-65 cm in length.
The male Night-heron has a slate-grey back and wings, a black crown, and white underparts, with a white throat patch and a pale grey neck, and its plumage remains relatively consistent throughout the year.
The female Night-heron is similar to the male, with the same grey and white plumage, although juveniles may have a more mottled appearance.
The Night-heron's call is a deep, croaking "quark" or "kraa", often described as sounding like a loud, barking dog, and is typically heard at night or during the early morning.
The Night-heron is a nocturnal feeder, using its sensitive eyes and sharp beak to catch fish, frogs, and other small aquatic animals in the dark, and it is often seen flying slowly and deliberately, with its legs stretched out behind it.
The Night-heron can be confused with other heron species, such as the Grey Heron or the Little Egret, but its black crown, white throat patch, and distinctive call can be used to distinguish it from these similar species.
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