The Night Heron
It is a discreet and quiet bird during the day, becoming especially active at dusk. It is migratory, arriving in the Danube Delta in spring and leaving in autumn for tropical Africa. It broods in colonies, often with other species of herons, building simple nests of twigs in trees along the water's edge or in tall reed thickets. The female lays 3-5 eggs, which she hatches with the male.
Nycticorax nycticorax
Description and how to observe The Night Heron:
The night heron is a medium-sized bird with a height of about 65 cm and a wingspan of up to 100 cm. It has distinctive plumage: the back and crest are bluish-black, the wings and breast are grey-grayish-gray, and the eyes are deep red. It can be seen especially at dusk or early in the morning, sitting motionless on low branches close to the water's surface. In the Danube Delta, you can easily spot it in dense reed thickets, marshy areas or in canal-side woods.
What it feeds on The Night Heron:
Night herons feed mainly at night, hunting small fish, amphibians, aquatic insects, crustaceans and sometimes small mammals. A patient hunter, it waits motionless for its prey, then swiftly pounces with its sharp beak.
Threats:
The species is vulnerable to habitat destruction, water pollution, human disturbance (tourism, logging) and climate change. Despite not being critically endangered, populations may be affected locally if these pressures persist.
Ecological role:
The night heron plays an important role in the balance of the aquatic ecosystem, controlling populations of small fish and insects. Through its hunting activity it helps to maintain a healthy species balance in the wetlands of the delta.
More information about Nycticorax nycticorax:
It's one of the few predominantly nocturnal species of night heron.
In the Danube Delta, it can be seen from April to September.
It emits a hoarse, repetitive call, easily recognisable at night.
Protected by national and European legislation (Birds Directive, Natura 2000).
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