The Black-crowned Night Heron (nycticorax nycticorax) is a widespread and distinctive wading bird found across much of the world, including parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. In South India, it's a common resident, often seen in wetlands and around water bodies.
Adults have a stocky build with a relatively short neck and legs. Their plumage is quite striking: a glossy black cap extending to the back, contrasting with grey wings and a white or pale grey underside. They have vivid red eyes and a stout, black bill. During the breeding season, they may develop a few long, thin white plumes extending from the back of their head. Juveniles are quite different, being mottled brown with pale spots, and have yellow eyes.
As their name suggests, Black-crowned Night Herons are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn). They spend most of the day hunched and motionless, often hidden in dense vegetation or roosting communally in trees near water. At dusk, they emerge to forage, often giving their characteristic "wok" or "quark" call in flight.
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