Using citizen science to review the seasonal habitat distribution of yellow-crowned night herons (Nyctanassa violacea) in Florida

Yellow-crowned Night Herons (Nyctanassa violacea) are medium-sized herons with heavy bills capable of eating crustaceans. They breed primarily in coastal areas of the Eastern United States and while not well studied, the current literature indicates that most migrate to Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. A recent study observing nocturnal wading birds conducted at Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, FL recorded these night herons occurring at the park year-round. In contrast, the literature indicates in Pinellas County Yellow-crowned Night Herons are migratory. Citizen science was used to review and update this species’ range in Florida. Using observations from iNaturalist, data was compiled on the number of adult and juvenile yellow-crowned night herons for each of Florida’s 67 counties. The data was then sorted by breeding season and the non-breeding season and normalized using the amount of birders who use iNaturalist per county. The observations report that yellow-crowned night herons are present throughout the year across Florida. Citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist and eBird can be used for conservation and biodiversity monitoring. 

For more information: arkauke@eckerd.edu

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