Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)

Status: State Endangered (1989).

Occurrence: Uncommon migrant south, rare migrant central. Rare summer resident south and central. Extends northward in the state along major river valleys, including those of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, as well as the smaller Wolf River. They are limited to very large tracts of forest habitat, and are known from only about six breeding populations. A map outlining Pre-1977 and 1997 to Present Distribution is available.

Aid to ID: Adult has all gray body. Distinct head markings include a black head with a whitish crown and cheek patch. Fairly long yellow legs are also distinguishing field marks.

Habitat: Ponds, wooded swamp, riparian forest, and lowland deciduous forest.

Food Habits: Mainly crayfish; also mussels, frogs, aquatic insects, snails, small snakes, and leeches.

Natural History:

Breeding: Clutch size: 4-5 pale blue-green eggs; laid from May to June. Incubation: 21-25 days, by both parents. Young fledge 25 days after hatching.
Nest: Sturdily built of sticks and twigs lined with grass, leaves, reeds, and fibrous roots; 30-40 feet above ground or lower.Mainly crayfish; also mussels, frogs, aquatic insects, snails, small snakes, and leeches.

Management Considerations: This species is vulnerable to habitat fragmentation; requires extensive, mature floodplain forests. Nest abandonment can be avoided by preventing human encroachment into nesting areas during the breeding season. Yellow crowns forage in open water, mud flats, and in partially submerged vegetation; the species requires shallow water habitats with an abundance of aquatic invertebrates.Mainly crayfish; also mussels, frogs, aquatic insects, snails, small snakes, and leeches.

Information compiled from publication ER-091.