Yellow-crowned Night-heron - South Padre Island, TX

A Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea rests in mangrove branches along the South Padre Island boardwalk in Texas. The pale gray body contrasts with its bold black face and bright white crown stripe. Even in midday, these herons often gather quietly in shaded mangroves to rest between feeding periods. You can get a great look at these birds from the boardwalk at Birding and Nature Center. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons hunt mostly at night, walking slowly through shallow water for crabs and shrimp. Fun fact: this species has specially adapted jaws that help it crush hard crab shells, making crabs its favorite meal.