The Yellow-crowned Night Heron is a medium-sized wading bird recognized by its bold black-and-white facial pattern, yellow crown, and long wispy plumes. Although it ranges throughout the Americas, it's a familiar and cherished sight in Tobago, especially in areas like Bon Accord Lagoon, Buccoo Wetlands, and along the mangrove-lined shores.
In Tobago, this bird thrives thanks to the island's rich coastal ecosystems, where it feeds primarily on crabs, crayfish, and small aquatic creatures. Locally, its calm, stealthy behaviour and elegant appearance have made it a favourite among birdwatchers and eco-tourists.
The species has also become a symbol of the island’s rich biodiversity, often highlighted in guided birding tours and conservation efforts around the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and wetland preservation projects.