The Black-crowned Night Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax, is a stocky, medium-sized heron found throughout much of the world.

Adults have a black crown and back with the rest of the body white or grey. It has red eyes and short yellow legs. They have pale grey wings and white under parts. Long slender white plumes, as seen in these photos, are erected during greetings and courtship displays, extending from the back of the head. The sexes are similar in appearance although the males are slightly larger.

They grow to 58–65 cm (23–26 in) in length with a wingspan of 105–112 cm (41–44 in).

These birds stand at the edge of the water and wait patiently to ambush their prey, mainly at night, early morning or evening. They are among seven heron species observed to engage in bait fishing by luring prey by tossing objects, even bread, into the water within their striking range. Clever things.

Worms, crustaceans, eggs, crayfish, frogs…these and more are included in the diet of the Black-crowned Night Heron. Basically, they seem to eat almost anything.