Nycticorax nycticorax (Linnaeus, 1758)

A stocky heron with a thick, stout bill. Its black crown and mantle contrast with the grey wings and whitish underparts. It has a long black crest that may contain white plumes. It is regularly seen at the inland waters of our area. It is gregarious and most active in the evenings and during the night, when it feeds on crabs, fish, frogs, and aquatic insects. It actively hunts for food, and rarely stands still as true herons do. Colonies spend the daytime resting in trees that can be some distance from water, and the same communal roosts can be used year after year. At dusk they fly out in ones and twos, uttering the distinctive kwaark call. Its flight is strong and direct with quick flaps of the rounded wings. Its thick neck is pulled in and shortened, but not in the S-shape as with the Grey Heron. The Indian Pond Heron, the Grey Heron, the Purple Heron and the Black- crowned Night Heron are all found in Keezhnathur and Samudram Eris.

 A sturdy heron with black crown, back, grey wings and whitish under parts.

Breeds in colonies, with other water birds. Nest is a platform made with twigs. Usually nesting in mangroves and tall trees near water bodies

 58-65cm

Seen in beels and other inland waters as well as tidal creeks and mangrove swamps.

IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern