Black-crowned Night Heron vs Squacco Heron

In short

The Black-crowned Night Heron and Squacco Heron can be distinguished by their structure and plumage. The Black-crowned Night Heron has a stockier build with a shorter neck and a distinctive black crown and back, while the Squacco Heron is more slender with a shorter bill and a buffy, streaked appearance when at rest.

Identification tips

1. Look for the black crown and back on the Black-crowned Night Heron, absent in the Squacco Heron. 2. Note the stockier build and shorter neck of the Black-crowned Night Heron compared to the more slender Squacco Heron. 3. Observe the plumage transformation of the Squacco Heron from buffy and streaked at rest to white in flight. 4. Listen for the harsh 'quawk' call of the Black-crowned Night Heron, especially at dusk or night.

Size

The Black-crowned Night Heron is generally larger and stockier than the Squacco Heron.

Plumage

The Black-crowned Night Heron features a black crown and back with gray wings and white underparts. In contrast, the Squacco Heron has a buffy, streaked appearance when perched, but transforms into a striking white bird in flight.

Behaviour

Both species are often seen in similar wetland habitats, but the Black-crowned Night Heron is more nocturnal, often feeding at dusk or night, while the Squacco Heron is more active during the day.

Habitat

Both species inhabit wetlands, but the Black-crowned Night Heron is more widespread and can be found in a variety of freshwater and coastal environments, while the Squacco Heron is more commonly found in reed beds and marshes.

Voice

The Black-crowned Night Heron often gives a harsh 'quawk' call, especially in flight. The Squacco Heron is generally quieter, with less distinctive calls.