Yellow Crowned Night Heron (Immature)

I believe this is an immature yellow crowned night heron. I have a difficult time distinguishing between yellow crowned and black crowned night herons until they are adults.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/jason_nash/7585​376218/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/jason_nash/7585​371648/

I'm not an expert, but these look exactly like the juvi black-crown shots I have. In my case, I found the parents to verify the species, but IIRC, someone told me you can the difference by the eyes. I don't remember what the difference was but the eyes and markings are the same as the shots I have.

This is a juvi Yellow-crowned Night Heron. The bill is much more stout in a YCNH and the lower contour of the bill is almost identical to the top. BCNHs have a straighter, slightly downturned contour on the lower bill.

Nighthound wrote in post #14725356
This is a juvi Yellow-crowned Night Heron. The bill is much more stout in a YCNH and the lower contour of the bill is almost identical to the top. BCNHs have a straighter, slightly downturned contour on the lower bill.

Indeed. I looked up pics of both species and you are correct. Thanks for the helpful pointer in identifying these birds.

Oh right... I meant the difference was in the bill

I told you I wasn't an expert. I'll just go take some pictures now.

That's a great catch, Jason. Well done.

Really like the 2nd one. Good shooting.

Excellent shots Jason, love how the eyes were captured, its so vivid. Awesome job!