Bird Gallery Index

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron © Wayne Nicholas

Family:  (Ardeidae) Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns

Preferred Habitat:  Woodlands and swamps.

Seasonal Occurrence:  Abundant in spring, summer and fall; less common in winter. Breeds in our area.

Notes:  The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron frequently nests in Houston's suburban areas. Every spring we get calls at the Houston Audubon Society from residents wondering just what that nest of pterodactyls is in their trees. The unfledged youngsters - pinkish-gray and without feathers - do rather look like young dinosaurs. As they grow older they become brown streaked with white, before finally assuming their adult plumage. Sexes look alike. Unlike most herons, Yellow-crowned Night-Herons often nest singly. Their favorite foods are crawfish and crabs. They may be found fishing both during the day and in the evening.
- Susan Billetdeaux