Black-Crowned Night Heron

Description:

Adults Black-crowned night heron are approximately 64 cm (25 in) long and weigh 800 g (28 oz). They have a black crown and back with the remainder of the body white or grey, red eyes, and short yellow legs. They have pale grey wings and white under parts. Two or three long white plumes, erected in greeting and courtship displays, extend from the back of the head. The sexes are similar in appearance although the males are slightly larger. Black-crowned Night Herons do not fit the typical body form of the heron family. They are relatively stocky and about 25 in tall (63 cm) with shorter bills, legs, and necks than their more familiar cousins the egrets and "day" herons.

Habitat:

The black-crowned night-heron breeds on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. They are one of the most common herons in the northern United States, breeding everywhere except the southwest and Rocky Mountain states. They are found in many types of wetland habitats including riparian forests, wooded swamps, marshes, mangroves, and even occasionally grasslands or rice fields.

Notes:

This spotting was made while in Dallas, I had about 18 hours over the course of three days to look for and try to photograph wildlife. I had no idea where to really begin to look, but went on instinct, to make this capture. It was photographed less then 3 miles from my hotel. Sometimes knowing a bit about wildlife comes in handy when your in a new area, it certainly paid off for me on this trip.