The Black-crowned Night Heron

 

 

The Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax  feed at night, mostly on fish and crustaceans squid, water insects and frogs in the water, and on land they will eat birds eggs, earth worms, insects, toads, lizards snakes and rodents, which is quite a varied diet.
 

The sexes are similar in appearance, although the male is slightly larger.
 

Their resting posture is somewhat hunched, but when hunting they extend their necks and look more like other wading birds.
 

A closer look at this red eyed, tri-coloured bird, which I think is most attractive with it's long white head plumes.
 

I have just discovered that their scientific name Nycticorax means night raven, refering to this species nocturnal habits, and crow-like call. I am linking up with Stewart, at Wild Bird Wednesday, Eileen at Saturdays Critters, and Anni, at The Bird D' Pot and if you would like to join in the fun, just click on the links to see other birds and critters from around the globe. br /> WILD BIRD WEDNESDAYS
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
I'D RATHER B BIRDIN