Seen by day, these chunky herons seem dull and lethargic, with groups sitting hunched and motionless in trees near water. They become more active at dusk flying out to foraging sites as they pass high overhead in the darkness. They usually feed at night because they are dominated by other herons and egrets by day. This Heron forages mostly from late evening through the night, but also by day during breeding season or in unusual weather. Their diet comprised mostly of fish but are opportunistic with squid, crustaceans, aquatic insects, frogs, snakes, clams, mussels, rodents, carrion. Sometimes specializes on eggs and young birds, and can cause problems in tern colonies. The Night Heron may begin nesting earlier in season than other herons. Male chooses nest site and displays there to attract mate. The nest’s construction, built mostly by the female, can be from on ground to more than 150′ high, in trees, shrubs, marsh vegetation on firm support. Both parents feed young. Young clamber about in nest tree at 4 weeks, able to fly at about 6 weeks. After 6-7 weeks, may follow parents to foraging areas and beg to be fed there. Populations had been declining owing to habitat loss and, in mid-century, effects of DDT and other persistent pesticides. Following the banning of DDT, many local populations have increased in recent years. Water pollution is still a problem in some areas, but overall population probably stable or increasing.