ID Keys: Black and white patterned face, gray body
The Yellow-crowned Night Heron is a rare visitor
to South Dakota, as it is normally found in the southeastern United
States. It is normally a secretive and solitary bird. Despite the
name, it is also active and feeds during the day. It has a very thick
stout bill, well adapted to feeding on crabs and other crustaceans,
leading to it's local name of "crab-eater" in many parts of the South.
Habitat
Very seldom in open areas, prefers wooded
rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Diet
Feeds heavily on crustaceans, especially
crayfish in the interior of the country. Also will eat fish, insects,
tadpoles, and frogs.
Behavior
Will feed at any time of day, but very
often near dusk and at night. Feeds by either standing still in
shallow water or on a perch overlooking water, or by wading deliberately
through the water in search of prey.
Breeding
No confirmed breeding records in South
Dakota, although several summer observations have occurred in recent
decades.
Song
A hollow squawking kwock.
Migration
Mainly summers in
the southeastern United States. Winters along the coastlines, Mexico,
Central America, and the West Indies.
