The Distinctive Eyes of the Black-Crowned Night-Heron Help it Catch Prey Underwater

by Enze Zhuo, age 13

The black-crowned night-heron is found all over the world. Like most herons, it lives in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and on oceanic islands like Hawaii. They are fascinating birds.

The black-crowned night-herons have interesting traits. They have large eyes that help them see better underwater and catch food. Their legs can also change color during breeding, from green to red or yellow. Their coolest trait is their two or three white, ribbon-like head plumes, which appear during breeding season.

The black-crowned night-heron eats frogs, lake fish, insects, mollusks, and worms. They like to live around freshwater, such as lakes and rivers, and live in large colonies rather than alone. They usually do not fight. They hunt at dawn and dusk, but can find food for their hatchlings during the day.

The black-crowned night-heron can live up to 25 years. They mature at two to three years old. During the breeding season, these herons lay around three to five eggs, and the incubation period is about 21-26 days.

The black-crowned night heron is a large bird. It can weigh up to 23.9 ounces and grow to be 22-26 inches in length. This beautiful bird has a long wingspan, reaching three feet three inches to three feet six inches, as long as an adult human’s arm.

These herons serve an important role in the ecosystem. Their unique features make them fascinating creatures to study and observe.

[Source: The Encyclopedia of Animals]