Black-crowned Night Heron

Resident breeding heron

Black-crowned Night Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax cyanocephalus, is the only resident breeding species of Heron found in the Falkland Islands. The species is found in South and North America, Eurasia, Africa, Philippines, Japan and Hawaii, while the race N.c.cyancephalus is restricted to the Falkland Islands.

Black-crowned Night Heron

A medium sized heron; birds stand 14-15 inches (36-38 cm) in height. Adult birds have predominately dove grey to light blue grey wings, back and tail. Under parts, breast, chin and forehead are creamy white. A blue-black cap on the head extends down the nape. From this two fine white plumes, known as filoplumes extend to the shoulder. Adult birds have a striking crimson iris to the eyes.
First year birds in contrast are dark brown to grey-brown with light buff colored striations to the head and foreparts. The back and wings are marked with distinctive light buff marks resembling "tear drops" in shape. The eyes of immatures display a golden-yellow iris. Full adult plumage is attained in the fourth year.

Found in coastal areas

In the Falkland Islands the species is widely distributed in most coastal areas, although population numbers appear to vary from area to area depending on feeding habitats. Where there are extensive tidal ranges allowing birds to feed in shallows and tidal pools, birds are more common. Generally the species feeds on small fish and other marine life, but some populations are known to take the young of other birds and possibly mice.

Four stamps

Four stamps depicting the Black-crowned Night Heron are being released with denominations of 24p, 55p, 80p and £1.00.

Stamps in detail

Issue: Falkland Islands
Designer: Ian Strange
Printer: BDT International
Process: Lithography
Perforation: 14 per 2cms
Stamp size: 30.56 x 38mm
Release date: 10 February 2006

More information

Stamps Falkland Islands
Postage Stamps 2006
Penguins
Maritime Heritage
Brunel's ss Great Britain