Black-crowned Night Heron

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Nycticorax nycticorax
CLASSIFICATION: Bird
LIFE SPAN: 5-20 Years
SIZE: 42-46” | 1.5-2lbs
STATE CONSERVATION STATUS: Unprotected
FEDERAL CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
GAME STATUS: Non-Game
GAME TYPE: None

Washoe
Humboldt
Pershing
Churchill
Mineral
Lyon
Douglas
Carson City
Storey

Elko
Lander
Eureka
White Pine

Esmeralda
Nye
Lincoln
Clark

Habitat & Range

In Nevada, Black-crowned Night Herons are found throughout the state typically found in wetland areas, such as those at Carson Lake and Pyramid Lake, as well as in riparian zones along rivers like the Humboldt River. They may also inhabit urban parks and golf courses with water features and dense vegetation.

Lakes and reservoirs
Marsh
Rivers and streams

Threats

Drought
Habitat Loss
Water Pollution

Black-crowned Night Herons are monogamous, typically forming lifelong pairs. Each year, a pair usually raises one brood, which consists of approximately 3 to 5 greenish-blue eggs. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs, which takes about 24 to 26 days. The chicks fledge and leave the nest around 2 weeks after hatching. These herons have a diverse diet that includes leeches, earthworms, insects, crayfish, clams, mussels, fish, amphibians, lizards, snakes, turtles, as well as small mammals and birds, including their eggs. Rather than stabbing their prey, Black-crowned Night Herons grasp it with their bills.

Fun Facts

Black-crowned Night Herons are known to nest in communal colonies alongside other wading bird species, including herons, egrets, and ibises. Although the young fledge and leave the nest around one month of age, they do not gain full flight capability until they are about 6 weeks old. When hunting, these herons employ a fascinating technique called "bill vibrating." This strategy involves rapidly opening and closing their bills to mimic the movement of insects, effectively luring fish within striking distance.