Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON.

202. Nycticorax nycticorax nævius. 24 inches.

A well-known bird often called “quawk” from the note which it makes during its evening flights. They are usually found nesting in large colonies, while in some places a few secluded pairs nest; a favorite place being among pine trees on the edge of muddy ponds.

Nest.—Is built of sticks, with no lining, and placed in the higher limbs of the trees, not unusual to find a dozen or more in each tree. Eggs are pale greenish color (2.00 × 1.40).