Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Order : Ciconiiformes
Ciconiiformes compromise five to six families of large, long legged wading birds with long bills. They primarily occupy fresh or shallow saline water where they feed on fish, crabs, crustaceans, insects and carrion. Most nest in trees, though some nest in swamps or on the ground. the young are altricial (born bare and blind and dependent on parents for food) Most species are colonial, but the use of sound is limited or uncommon, the birds relying more on displays and rituals. Most are strong, often elegant flyers.

Family : Herons (Ardeidae)
The family Ardeidae is made up of Herons, Egrets and Bitterns where Egrets are considered simply as white Herons with decorative plumes and not a biologically separate group. Herons fly with their necks retracted not outstretched like some other members of the Ciconiiformes order. Typically Herons feed in shallow waters or marshes taking fish, frogs, crabs, and even small birds or mammals. They are widely distributed around the world but are most common in the tropics. The nest is made of twigs, usually placed in trees near water, and usually grouped in colonies called Heronries. Herons are sub divided into three groups. Typical Herons which include the genus Egratta, feed during the day. Night Herons, which are usually shorter legged and thick billed, are more active at dusk and during the night, and Tiger Herons which are six species of the more primitive Herons.

Name : Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
Length : 51 - 55 cm ( 22 - 28 in )
Local Names : Night Gaulin, Crab catcher

The Yellow-crowned night Heron is mainly grey with a black head, yellow eyes and white cap which turns buff yellow during breeding season, the sexes being similar. Juveniles are brown flaked with grey or white. The nest is a platform of sticks usually in Mangrove trees, where 2 - 4 pale bluish - green eggs are laid. Both parents rearing the young. The birds often remain quite motionless while waiting for their prey of crab, fish, frogs, crustaceans and insects and can be active during the day, though typically are most active around dusk. While incubating the young, both parents can readily be found at the nest during the day, hunting more at night. The species ranges from eastern North America throughout the West Indies to northern South America, some birds migrating to warmer climates during winter months.


#Yellow-crowned Night Heron #Nyctanassa violacea #Herons #Ardeidae #Ciconiiformes #birds of the West Indies #birds of Tobago #birds


Bird identification images

Juvenile

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)

Tri-coloured Heron

Tri-coloured Heron (Hydranassa tricolor)

Tri-coloured Heron

Order : Ciconiiformes
Ciconiiformes compromise five to six families of large, long legged wading birds with long bills. They primarily occupy fresh or shallow saline water where they feed on fish, crabs, crustaceans, insects and carrion. Most nest in trees, though some nest in swamps or on the ground. the young are altrical (born bare and blind and dependent on parents for food) Most species are colonial, but the use of sound is limited or uncommon, the birds relying more on displays and rituals. Most are strong, often elegant flyers.

Family : Herons (Ardeidae)
The family Ardeidae is made up of Herons, Egrets and Bitterns where Egrets are considered simply as white Herons with decorative plumes and not a biologically separate group. Herons fly with their necks retracted not outstretched like some other members of the Ciconiiformes order. Typically Herons feed in shallow waters or marshes taking fish, frogs, crabs, and even small birds or mammals. They are widely distributed around the world but are most common in the tropics. The nest is made of twigs, usually placed in trees near water, and usually grouped in colonies called Heronries. Herons are sub divided into three groups. Typical Herons which include the genus Egratta, feed during the day. Night Herons, which are usually shorter legged and thick billed, are more active at dusk and during the night, and Tiger Herons which are six species of the more primitive Herons.

Name : Tri-coloured Heron (Hydranassa tricolor)
Length : 60 - 71 cm ( 24 - 28 in )
Local Names : Gaulin

The Tri-coloured Heron is a resident breeder in the Caribbean including the Gulf states of North America with post breeding dispersal well north of the breeding range. The nest is a platform of sticks, usually placed quite low in trees or shrubs, preferably over or facing water in swamp or Mangrove, where 3 - 7 eggs are laid. The Tri-coloured Heron typically stalks it’s prey in shallow water, often running as it does so. It’s diet consists of fish, crustaceans, reptiles and insects. Groups of birds can work together in the mangrove with some members chasing fish into a waiting group ambush. It is a medium to large, long necked Heron with a long pointed yellowish or greyish bill with a black tip. Adults have a blue to grey upperparts with a white line along the neck. In breeding they have long blue plumes on the head and neck, and buff ones on the back.


#Tri-coloured Heron #Heron # Hydranassa tricolor #Herons #Ardeidae #Ciconiiformes #Gaulin #birds of the Caribbean #birds of North America #Birds of Tobago #birds

Bird identification images

Green-backed Heron

Green-backed Heron (Butorides striatus)

Green-backed Heron or Green Heron

Order : Ciconiiformes
Ciconiiformes compromise five to six families of large, long legged wading birds with long bills. They primarily occupy fresh or shallow saline water where they feed on fish, crabs, crustaceans, insects and carrion. Most nest in trees, though some nest in swamps or on the ground. the young are altrical (born bare and blind and dependant on parents for food) Most species are colonial, but the use of sound is limited or uncommon, the birds relying more on displays and rituals. Most are strong, often elegant flyers.

Family : Herons (Ardeidae)
The family Ardeidae is made up of Herons, Egrets and Bitterns where Egrets are considered simply as white Herons with decorative plumes and not a biologically separate group. Herons fly with their necks retracted not outstretched like some other members of the Ciconiiformes order. Typically Herons feed in shallow waters or marshes taking fish, frogs, crabs, and even small birds or mammals. They are widely distributed around the world but are most common in the tropics. The nest is made of twigs, usually placed in trees near water, and usually grouped in colonies called Heronries. Herons are sub divided into three groups. Typical Herons which include the genus Egratta, feed during the day. Night Herons, which are usually shorter legged and thick billed, are more active at dusk and during the night, and Tiger Herons which are six species of the more primitive Herons.

Name : Green-backed Heron (Butorides striatus) or Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
Length : 40 - 48 cm (16 - 19 in )
Local Names : Gaulin, Crabier

Some believe the Green Heron (Butorides virescens) and the Straited Heron or Mangrove Heron (Butorides striatus) of Africa and Asia to be a single species the Green-backed Heron, and will be treated as such here. The upperparts are slate grey with a blue green tinge, the crown is black, the neck is chestnut with a white line down the front, the legs are yellow. In the Americas they range from the Pacific coast of Canada and North America to Central America and the West Indies. The nest is a platform of sticks often in trees or shrubs usually near water in small wetlands, usually as individuals or in small groups not exceeding 5 or 6 pairs. Both parents incubate and care for the young. The Green Heron waits motionless by the waters edge or perched on low lying mangrove roots waiting to ambush their prey which consists of fish, frogs, crabs and aquatic insects.


#Green-backed Heron #Butorides striatus #Green Heron #Butorides virescens #Herons #Ardeidae #Ciconiiformes #Gaulin #Crabier #birds #birds of Tobago


Bird identification pictures

Great Egret

Great Egret (Egretta alba)

Great Egret

Order : Ciconiiformes
Ciconiiformes compromise five to six families of large, long legged wading birds with long bills. They primarily occupy fresh or shallow saline water where they feed on fish, crabs, crustaceans, insects and carrion. Most nest in trees, though some nest in swamps or on the ground. the young are altrical (born bare and blind and dependant on parents for food) Most species are colonial, but the use of sound is limited or uncommon, the birds relying more on displays and rituals. Most are strong, often elegant flyers.

Family : Herons (Ardeidae)
The family Ardeidae is made up of Herons, Egrets and Bitterns where Egrets are considered simply as white Herons with decorative plumes and not a biologically separate group. Herons fly with their necks retracted not outstretched like some other members of the Ciconiiformes order. Typically Herons feed in shallow waters or marshes taking fish, frogs, crabs, and even small birds or mammals. They are widely distributed around the world but are most common in the tropics. The nest is made of twigs, usually placed in trees near water, and usually grouped in colonies called Heronries. Herons are sub divided into three groups. Typical Herons which include the genus Egratta, feed during the day. Night Herons, which are usually shorter legged and thick billed, are more active at dusk and during the night, and Tiger Herons which are six species of the more primitive Herons.


Name : Great Egret (Egretta alba)
Length : 85 - 107 cm ( 34 - 42 in )
Local Names : Gaulin

Also know as Great white Egret, common Egret and White Heron ( all Egretta alba). Though it should not be confused with the Great white Heron (Ardea occidentalis) which is a white morph of the Great Blue Heron found in Florida. The Great Egret is distinctive from other similar species by it’s long yellow bill and black legs, and it’s neck is retracted during flight. It is a wading bird found in most tropical and warmer temperate parts of the world, although it is very local in southern Europe and Asia. It is partially migratory, with some individuals moving south from areas with cold winters. Although generally a very successful species it is threatened with extinction in New Zealand, and at the turn of the 19th century was heavily hunted in for it’s decorative white plumes. Today, as with all wetland birds, it’s existence is threatened by extensive habitat loss. The Great Egret feeds in shallow waters and comparatively dry areas spearing fish, frogs or insects with it’s long sharp bill. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stork it’s prey. The species breeds colonially in trees or other swamp vegetation, building a large nest of twigs or reeds in which 2 - 5 pale blue eggs are laid.



#Great Egret Egretta alba Egrets Herons Ardeidae Ciconiiformes wading birds big birds tall birds bird birds of Tobago



Bird identification pictures

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue heron (Ardea herodias)

Great Blue Heron

Order : Ciconiiformes
The family Ardeidae is made up of Herons, Egrets and Bitterns where Egrets are considered simply as white Herons with decorative plumes and not a biologically separate group. Herons fly with their necks retracted not outstretched like some other members of the Ciconiiformes order. Typically Herons feed in shallow waters or marshes taking fish, frogs, crabs, and even small birds or mammals. They are widely distributed around the world but are most common in the tropics. The nest is made of twigs, usually placed in trees near water, and usually grouped in colonies called Heronries. Herons are sub divided into three groups. Typical Herons which include the genus Egratta, feed during the day. Night Herons, which are usually shorter legged and thick billed, are more active at dusk and during the night, and Tiger Herons which are six species of the more primitive Herons.

Family : Herons (Ardeidae)
Ciconiiformes compromise five to six families of large, long legged wading birds with long bills. They primarily occupy fresh or shallow saline water where they feed on fish, crabs, crustaceans, insects and carrion. Most nest in trees, though some nest in swamps or on the ground. the young are altrical (born bare and blind and dependant on parents for food) Most species are colonial, but the use of sound is limited or uncommon, the birds relying more on displays and rituals. Most are strong, often elegant flyers.

Name : Great Blue heron (Ardea herodias)

Length : 106 - 132 cm ( 42 - 52 in )
Local Names : Grey Gaulin, Arsnicker

The largest Heron in North American the Great Blue Heron is common all over North and Central America, the West Indies and the Galapagos, it closely resembles it’s European counterpart the Grey Heron (Ardes cinerea) except for having rufus to cinnamon thighs. The Great Blue stands four feet high and has a seven foot wingspan. They have a long yellow bill, blue grey wings and back and a white head with black cap and adults can sport a long black plume. It flies with strong deliberate wing beats, it’s neck held in an S-shape, it’s long legs trailing behind. Northern individuals winter in the South and West Indies. The Great Blue feeds in shallow waters or at the waters edge and spears fish or frogs with it’s long, sharp bill. It’s varied diet also includes insects, snakes, turtles, rodents and can include small birds. It may also alight in suburban areas and raid backyard ponds. The species usually breed in colonies in trees close to lakes or other wetlands, often with other species of Herons. It’s builds a bulky stick nest where the female lays 3 to 5 pale blue eggs. Both parents feeding the young by regurgitating food.




#Great Blue heron #Ardea herodias  #Herons #Ardeidae #Ciconiiformes #Grey Gaulin #Arsnicker #birds #birds of Tobago



Bird identification pictures

Cattle Egret

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

Cattle Egret

Order : Ciconiiformes
Ciconiiformes compromise five to six families of large, long legged wading birds with long bills. They primarily occupy fresh or shallow saline water where they feed on fish, crabs, crustaceans, insects and carrion. Most nest in trees, though some nest in swamps or on the ground. the young are altrical (born bare and blind and dependant on parents for food) Most species are colonial, but the use of sound is limited or uncommon, the birds relying more on displays and rituals. Most are strong, often elegant flyers.

Family : Herons (Ardeidae)
The family Ardeidae is made up of Herons, Egrets and Bitterns where Egrets are considered simply as white Herons with decorative plumes and not a biologically separate group. Herons fly with their necks retracted not outstretched like some other members of the Ciconiiformes order. Typically Herons feed in shallow waters or marshes taking fish, frogs, crabs, and even small birds or mammals. They are widely distributed around the world but are most common in the tropics. The nest is made of twigs, usually placed in trees near water, and usually grouped in colonies called Heronries. Herons are sub divided into three groups. Typical Herons which include the genus Egratta, feed during the day. Night Herons, which are usually shorter legged and thick billed, are more active at dusk and during the night, and Tiger Herons which are six species of the more primitive Herons.

Name : Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Length : 48 - 64 cm (19 - 25 in )
Local Names : Crabier, Cattle Gaulin

The Cattle Egret is a small white Heron of old world origins but has proved to be a successful coloniser and is now found in warmer parts of every continent except Antarctica, arriving as late as the 1950’s in the West Indies. It’s diet consists mainly of larger insects, especially grasshoppers, which are disturbed by grazing cattle or other livestock. Nesting takes place in colonies, often with other Herons, usually in Mangrove’s where a nest of sticks is placed facing water. Where numbers remain fairly small in Tobago, other Caribbean Islands experience breeding colonies in the thousands. It is all white, with buff neck and back plumage during breeding season.

#Cattle Egret #Bubulcus ibis #Egrets #Herons #Ardeidae #Ciconiiformes #Egratta #bird #birds of Tobago

Bird identification pictures