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Common Name : Night Heron     -       Scientific Name : Nycticorax nycticorax       -       Other Name : Black-crowned Night Heron (E), Re Koka
Periya Naga Villu
08/19/2016
Periya Naga Villu
08/19/2016
Periya Naga Villu
08/19/2016

This is a breeding resident species found in wetlands throughout the country up to the mid hills. Four Subspecies have been recognized. N.n.hoactli breeds in North and South America from Canada as far south as northern Argentina and Chile. N.n.obscura breeds in southern most South America and N.n falklandicus in the Falkland Islands. The nominate race N.n. nycticorax breeds in Europe, Asia and Africa.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species throughout the lowland wetlands and water bodies including the Beira Lake in Colombo. The highest altitude at which I have seen it so far has been in Kandy at 472 meters. I hear their calls as they fly over my residence in Colombo during dawn and dusk towards the Beira Lake.

In Wilpattu I have seen this species at Maradanmaduwa Tank, the Crocodile Pool at the turn off to Palugahathure, Mila Villu, Nelum Wila, Mila Wewa and Kumbuk Wila.