Nycticorax nycticorax (Black-crowned Night-Heron)

The Black-crowned Night-Heron is a medium-sized heron species known for its striking plumage and nocturnal habits. This bird’s distribution is extensive, covering a global range that includes the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, making it a widely recognized species across various continents​​. Typically found in wetlands, including marshes, rivers, lakes, and coastal regions, it thrives in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

The species has a remarkable ability to coexist with human-altered landscapes and can often be observed in urban areas, particularly where small bodies of water are present​​​​. These herons typically nest in colonies, which can range from small groupings to gatherings of several thousand pairs. They often share these colonies with other bird species.