Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Ardeidae
The Black-crowned Night-heron is a medium-sized heron with a distinctive black crown and back, contrasting with its pale grey wings and white underparts. Its red eyes and short neck give it a unique appearance among herons. In Patagonia, it is often seen perched quietly near water bodies during the day, becoming more active at twilight. This species is known for its secretive behavior and its ability to adapt to a variety of wetland habitats, from lakes and rivers to marshes and estuaries. Juveniles are brown and streaked, differing markedly from the adults. The Black-crowned Night-heron is a patient hunter, often standing motionless at the water’s edge before striking at prey. Its call is a harsh, croaking sound, usually heard at night.
Habitat
In Patagonia, it inhabits lakes, rivers, marshes, estuaries, and sometimes urban parks with water bodies.
Foraging
Feeds mainly at dusk and night, hunting fish, amphibians, insects, and crustaceans by standing still or slowly stalking prey.
