Black-crowned Night Heron vs Western Reef-Heron

In short

The Black-crowned Night Heron and Western Reef-Heron can be distinguished by their plumage and behavior. The night heron has a distinctive black cap and back, while the reef-heron varies between dark and white morphs. Behaviorally, the night heron is more nocturnal, whereas the reef-heron is active during the day.

Identification tips

• Black cap and back: Look for the distinctive black crown and back of the Black-crowned Night Heron.
• Morph variation: Note the plumage morphs of the Western Reef-Heron; dark morphs are uniformly grey, while white morphs resemble Little Egrets.
• Activity period: Observe the time of day; night herons are more active at night, while reef-herons are active during the day.
• Habitat: Consider the habitat; night herons are more likely in inland wetlands, while reef-herons prefer coastal regions.

Size

Both species are medium-sized herons, but the Western Reef-Heron is generally more slender and has longer legs compared to the stockier Black-crowned Night Heron.

Plumage

The Black-crowned Night Heron has a black crown and back with grey wings and a white belly. In contrast, the Western Reef-Heron can appear in two morphs: a dark morph with uniform slate-grey plumage and a white morph that resembles the Little Egret.

Behaviour

Black-crowned Night Herons are primarily nocturnal, often seen feeding at dusk or night, while Western Reef-Herons are diurnal and actively forage during the day.

Habitat

Black-crowned Night Herons are found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes and riverbanks. Western Reef-Herons are typically found in coastal areas, often near reefs and estuaries.

Voice

The Black-crowned Night Heron has a harsh, croaking call, often heard at night. Western Reef-Herons are generally quieter, with less distinctive vocalizations.