Habitat: This species can be found near freshwater sources such as marshes and along rivers. Distribution: Species reported from eastern United States and Mexico to northern Peru and eastern Brazil and the Galapagos Islands. Natural History Notes: This species is similar to the Black-crowned night-heron but is not as nocturnal. Characteristics: The total length of this species varies between 24 inches and 26 inches (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). The bill is black and the legs fairly long. The adult plumage is mostly gray, but the head is black and contrasts with a white crown and a white patch behind the eye. In Bocas del Toro, we can observe the migrating race of this heron, which has a heavier bill than the resident race. In flight, we can note that the legs project beyond the tail. Notes: Conservation status according to IUCN 2008 Red list: Least Concern (LC). It is a resident species.