Family: ArdeidaeHabitat: Found in mangroves, and in forested lagoons, swamps, or lakes (A.O.U. 1998).
Distribution: Breeding range extends from Baja California, Mexico, the Gulf coast, and Florida north to northeastern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, southeastern Nebraska, southern and eastern Iowa, and southeastern Minnesota east to Massachusetts. Winters in the southern portion of its breeding range (i.e., Baja California, Mexico, the Gulf coast, and along the Atlantic coast north to South Carolina) (A.O.U. 1998).
Field Marks: Crisp, dark gray plumage, with black head, white cheek patch behind eye, and pale-white crown. Compare immature with immature Black-crowned Night-Heron; note comparatively longer legs in flight.
Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons. Nest is placed up to 40 feet high in tree or shrub and is built of twigs and lined with rootlets, leaves, and other vegetation.
Eggs: 2-8, usually 4-5; 51 millimeter; pale bluish-green in color.
Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation usually lasts about 21-25 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 25 days old.
