Night Heron ( Nycticorax nycticorax )

60 a 70 cm. The top of the head, the back and the wings are black and the other parts of the body are mostly grey. The immature is brown and striated.
Distribution:
All over the world, except from the poles and Australia.
Habitat:
Slow flowing rivers, lakes, reservoirs and swamps.
Diet:
Aquatic insects, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, amphibians and reptiles. May also eat carrion and rests of food fallen from other bird’s nests, including dead hatchlings.
Reproduction:
Breeds in colonies together with other species of herons. The nests are built from 1 to 7m from the ground or water. Lays two or three bluish green or buffy eggs.
Natural history:
During most of the day it rests in swampy places and at twilight migrates to the feeding areas. Are more active in the night, but the immature individuals are more active in the day. Very smart, when in parks and aquacultures learns to get close to the places where people feed the fishes, catching then very easily.