Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

A relative of the great blue heron, the yellow-crowned night heron is a large wading bird that is commonly found near aquatic habitats. The head is crested with two long feathers and yellow and white patches on the sides. Young herons are often confused for least bitterns but lack the vibrant brown of the bittern. They are fairly uncommon in Canada. They roost in trees, swamps, and low coastal shrubs.