Nyctanassa violacea violacea

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Yellow-crowned night-heron
French : Bihoreau violacé

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Ardeidae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 70 cm in length for a weight of 700 g. Unmistakable. Pinkish leg, large black bill, small white crest on head. Plumage is grey with white-edged dark feathers on wings and back. Black head, white cheek-patch.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South-eastern USA (breeding only), Caribbean islands, coastal areas of Central America and most of northern coasts of South America. Subspecies found from central and east USA to Mexico. Lives in mangroves, coastal swamps, marshes, estuaries, rocky shores, to 800 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a big range and is still fairly common, expanding its range in the US. Mangrove destruction and habitat clearing is a long-term threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Herons and relatives” page