The Black-Crowned Night Heron of Ontario, Canada

The Black-Crowned Night Heron of Ontario is one of the more interesting looking species of heron. Birdwatchers appreciate its unusual black crown contrasted by its white cheeks and underbelly. If one is in the right location, it is easy to spot the Black-Crowned Night Heron by its distinguishing physical features and odd mannerisms and hunting routines.

The Black-Crowned Night Heron of Ontario, Canada: Physical features

The Black-Crowned Night Heron is set apart from other birds by its distinctive black crown. It is easy to identify because of the contrast between the black crown and its white underbelly, neck, and cheek. The wings of a Black-Crowned Night Heron are grey, further distinguishing the stark white and black portions of the bird's plumage. Another unique feature of the Black-Crowned Night Heron are its red eyes. Other types of herons, like the Green Heron, do not have such deep red eyes, making the Black-Crowned Night Heron easy to identify even in the dark. Some other notable features of a Black-Crowned Night Heron are its yellow legs, black tail feathers, and two white plumes coming from the black crown. These plumes get longer during mating season as an indication that the bird is ready to breed.

The Black-Crowned Night Heron of Ontario, Canada: Where to find them

The Black-Crowned Night Heron is usually seen in the southern area of Ontario, Canada during the mating season of April to November. It is rarely found in northern or central Ontario because the environment is not as preferable as the southern regions. The Black-Crowned Night Heron generally prefers marshes, shores of lakes, and the banks of slow-moving rivers. During the winters, these birds migrate south to warmer climates. This type of heron has been found as far south as the coast of Texas, along with several large populations in the Lake Erie region. The best places to find the Black-Crowned Night Heron in Ontario, Canada are at the Toronto Harbor, Niagara River, and Rondeau Provincial Park.

The Black-Crowned Night Heron of Ontario, Canada: Hunting patterns

The hunting patterns of the Black-Crowned Night Heron are also quite different than other types of herons. The other herons will observe and stalk their prey in order to get close enough to strike. By contrast, the Black-Crowned Night Heron stands its ground and simply waits for the prey to come to it. Standing completely motionless, the heron blends into the background and prey such as fish, reptiles, and small mammals walk right by, only to be struck down by the Black-Crowned Night Heron's sharp bill.