File:Yellow-crowned night heron walking on ground - DPLA - c4bfb4238a096df66fc4e884e6869d83.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Ciconiiformes; Family: Ardeidae; Genus: Nyctanassa; Genus species: Nyctanassa violacea. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 56-69 cm; Identification: The yellow-crowned night heron has slate gray body plumage. The head is black, with white cheeks and white or yellowish head plumes. The feathers of the wings and back are blackish edged with light gray. This species also has black plumes extending beyond the tail; Habitat: Swamps, mangroves, bayous, and streams; Diet: Carnivore: preferably crustaceans but will also eat aquatic insects, frogs, fish, salamanders, snakes, and small mammals such as mice; Reproduction: The reproductive behavior of night herons is not well known. They nest in trees, either in pairs or in small groups. Females lay 4-5 eggs. Both sexes incubate the eggs for 21-25 days. The chicks can fly at six weeks of age; Behavior: Night herons are active during the day and at night. Some populations are slightly migratory; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: The entire foot extends beyond the tail during the flight of the yellow-crowned night heron.