A medium-sized heron with a robust, stocky silhouette that sets it apart from the other herons. The adult has a jet-black back, gray wings, a white belly and a white band from the forehead to the nape, from which hang two or three long white plumes in the breeding season. Its eyes are blood-red and very striking. Juveniles have a completely different plumage: dark brown with white spots and streaks that make them unrecognizable to the unfamiliar observer. It measures 58 to 65 cm.
Behaviour
Strictly nocturnal and crepuscular. By day it shelters in dense groups within the riverbank vegetation. At sundown, groups of dozens or hundreds of individuals set off for their fishing areas, giving a characteristic deep, hoarse "quoc." It fishes in shallow water: fish, frogs, shrimp and aquatic insects.
How and when to see it
At dusk, when the flocks emerge from their roosts and cross the sky toward the wetlands. The boardwalks of Portal Laguna Iberá at nightfall are an excellent observation point.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where black-crowned night heron has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where black-crowned night heron lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiencias con relato local y mirada cultural sobre los esteros.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Travesías a caballo por una red de refugios en el Iberá. Cabalgatas de varios días con…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Senderismo guiado. Visita guiada a museos, lugares históricos, capillas y senderos del…★ 5.0 - Salvaje Iberá
Senderismo, cicloturismo, safari fotográfico, avistaje de fauna, paseos largos en el día…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameBlack-crowned Night Heron
- Scientific nameNycticorax nycticorax
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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