Bird of the Week Feb. 1: Black-crowned night-heron

Black-crowned night-herons are found in Florida year-round. These birds are active mainly at night although while feeding young they do actively forage during daylight hours. They forage in along waters' edges such as marshes, freshwater pools, streams, and coastal estuaries. Their diet consists of fish, crustaceans, small amphibians, reptiles, nesting birds, and even small mammals. This species nests in colonies and build the nests out of sticks. Nests are in trees or shrubs over or near water. Both parents incubate the nest for 21-26 days. The young stay in the nest for 28 days and are fed by both parents. At about 42 days the young fledge. Since this bird is a wetlands-dependent species, it is considered a Species of Special Concern in Florida.  The black-crowned night heron is sometimes confused with its relative the yellow-crowned night-heron. Black-crowned night-herons can be distinguished by their red eyes, black back, cap, and nape, along with white underparts and face.