Description:
The black-crowned night heron is a relatively short heron that reaches a height of approximately 25 inches.  The crown and back are black in color, with the rest of the body gray, blending to white on the head and chest. Eyes are large and red in color. The short beak, thickest at its base and slightly downcurved, is black. Legs are  thick and yellow, but become pinkish in color at the at the height of the breeding season.  Several long, whispy plumes, white in color, hang from the nape of the neck.  

Habitat:
Black-crowned night herons inhabit both fresh water and estuaries.  They are typically found in mudflats, mangroves, salt marshes and impounded wetlands.  In freshwater areas, they prefer shallow swamps and streams, as well as the vegetated borders around lakes.  They generally feed at night, but are also observed feeding and roosting by day.

Range:
Black-crowned night herons range throughout North America from Washington State east to Quebec, Canada and south through Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.