The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron is a rare visitor to Arizona, typically found far from its usual range along the southeastern and Gulf coasts of the United States, the Caribbean, and Central America. This medium-sized heron, with its distinctive black head, bold white cheek patch, and pale yellow crown, is most often seen near coastal marshes and mangroves in its normal range. In Arizona, sightings are exceptional and usually occur in riparian or wetland habitats, often during spring or summer dispersal. These rare appearances are eagerly sought by birders, as the species’ preference for crabs and crustaceans makes it an unusual presence in the state’s inland waterways.
Juvenile