A medium-sized nocturnal heron species widespread across multiple continents, characterized by distinctive black crown and back contrasting with gray wings and white underparts.
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Wetland ecosystems including marshes, swamps, river edges, coastal lagoons, and riparian zones across temperate and tropical regions of North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia
Ecological Role
Critical predator in aquatic food webs, controlling populations of small fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates; serves as bioindicator for wetland ecosystem health
Morphology
SKIN COATDense plumage with gray, black, and white coloration; adults have glossy black crown and back
LIMBS WINGSRelatively short legs with long toes for wading, wingspan of 100-115 cm, wings designed for efficient low-altitude flight
HEAD SENSORYLarge eyes adapted for nocturnal hunting, thick conical bill suited for capturing prey, distinctive black crown
BODY STRUCTURECompact body, approximately 58-66 cm in length, weighing 500-900 g, with relatively short neck and stocky build
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Calibas
