The Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea), locally known as the “Crabier,” is a striking medium-sized heron commonly found in swamps, marshes, and along coastal areas of both Trinidad and Tobago. Measuring about 64 cm (25 inches) in length, it is frequently observed during the day as well as at dusk, particularly in areas with abundant crustacean prey.
Adults are predominantly grey with bold black-and-white markings on the head and a long, elegant crest. Immature birds are brown with pale streaks, displaying a more subdued appearance. While generally solitary, this heron may gather in areas rich in food, such as the mudflats at Waterloo, where individuals spread out to forage.
The Yellow-crowned Night Heron feeds almost exclusively on crustaceans, with fiddler crabs being its preferred prey. It hunts along sandy or muddy shores, skillfully extracting crabs from burrows, and on rocky coastlines, it may take larger crabs, sometimes discarding the claws.
Breeding involves constructing a bulky platform of twigs, typically high in a tree or coconut palm. Both parents share incubation duties, laying up to three light-blue eggs per clutch.
Calling all birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts! Witness the captivating Yellow-crowned Night Heron in its natural habitat and discover the unique coastal and wetland ecosystems of Tobago. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a memorable wildlife experience!