Birding/unknown bird

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Expert: Julia Booth - 4/27/2009


Question

abq-zoo-what
I saw this bird at the Albuquerque zoo but I do not think it was in an exhibit. It was near the water and intently watching the fish. The size of a large crow with a large all-purpose black beak. I didn't get a good look at it's tail since it was obscured by the grass. It was by itself and didn't make any noises and went along the bank under some bushes until I couldn't see it any more. It had red eyes and was dark almost gray-blue on top and white underbelly. What really was amazing to me was the two long white feathers that came from the neck area.
I went around and looked at all the exhibits and none of them had anything like it that I could see. It was around noon and he did not seem to be afraid of me but was mesmerised by those carp that probably weighed more that he did and were only a foot away from him.

Answer
That's a Black-Crowned Night Heron, which is actually native to the area and probably just hanging out for the free fish. The two feathers are a part of its breeding plumage, which is for attracting the ladies. They're rather fun to watch and you can often walk right up on them, usually because when they are fishing, they are too preoccupied to care about being disturbed.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-crowned_Night_Heron


Happy Birding,

Julia
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks for the timely answer. I will tell other peo[le about your very helpful site.


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Julia Booth

Expertise

I can answer questions about bird identification (by sight or sound), behavior, distribution, population, conservation, mating, nesting, fledging and feeding. I do have some practical knowledge about foreign species, but identification skills are limited in that arena. Bear in mind that as much as I know, it's possible that at least some of you will ask a question that I am unable to answer. At which point I would direct you to wherever or whomever I thought could provide you with that information.

Experience

I have 15 years birding experience in Southern California.

Organizations
Audubon Society

Education/Credentials
My education is in art and photography -but I have a substantial portfolio of nature related work.

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