.png){kind=logo}
.png){kind=logo}
Black-crowned Night Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
The black-crowned Night-Heron, a discreet nocturnal hunter
The black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a heron with a particular behavior. More compact than its cousins, it can be recognized by its dark back, its light belly and especially its very marked red eyes. Unlike herons active in the middle of the day, it prefers the quiet hours of dusk and night.
Present on several continents, it frequents wetlands such as marshes, mangroves, ponds or slow rivers. These environments rich in biodiversity are essential for its survival, as they offer both food and rest areas.
Classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN red list, the black-crowned night heron remains relatively widespread globally. However, like many species linked to aquatic environments, it depends directly on the quality of these habitats.
At the Guadeloupe Zoo, he evolves in an immersive space where he cohabits with Maki Cattas, offering visitors an original observation combining terrestrial species and birds linked to wetlands. This proximity makes it possible to better understand the diversity of behaviors and habitats within the same environment.
.svg)
Quelques anecdotes
A patient hunter
The black-crowned night heron uses a very effective hunting technique. It stays still at the water's edge, then strikes quickly as soon as prey comes within its reach. Fish, amphibians, insects or small crustaceans make up its diet. This strategy is similar to that of other opportunistic species that can be observed in wetlands, such as certain reptiles or aquatic birds.
A recognizable cry
Its scientific name means “night crow.” The black-crowned nightheron utters a low and brief cry, often heard when it takes off. This surprising sound contrasts with the more melodious vocalizations of birds like Toucan Toco, and reminds us that each species has its own way of communicating.
.svg){kind=small}
