Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
This heron is a specialist 'crab-eater' with a thicker, heavier bill than most herons, specifically evolved to crush hard crustacean shells.
- Scientific name
- Nyctanassa violacea
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Pelecaniformes › Ardeidae › Nyctanassa
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- wetland
- Habitat
- Coastal mangroves, salt marshes, wooded wetlands, and occasionally urban parks with water features.
- Diet
- Specializes in crustaceans, particularly crabs and crayfish; also consumes fish, insects, and snails.
- Range
- North America, Central America, South America, Caribbean
- Size
- 55-70 cm long with a wingspan of approximately 100-110 cm
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years in the wild
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Habitat loss due to coastal development, water pollution, and human disturbance at nesting sites.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and generally shy. Maintain a distance of at least 20 feet to avoid disturbing its hunt. If a bird appears cornered, do not approach, as it may use its sharp beak defensively. If pecked, wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention if infection signs appear.
The yellow-crowned night heron ( Nyctanassa violacea , formerly in the genus Nycticorax ), is one of two species of night herons found in the Americas, the other one being the black-crowned night heron. It is known as the Bihoreau Violacé in French and the Pedrete Corona Clara in Spanish.
Photo: (c) Charles J. Sharp , some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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