The black crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is common worldwide except for the polar regions and Australasia. The Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli subspecies is found in the Americas. In North America they migrate south outside the breeding season to Central America and the Caribbean. In South America they are generally resident and found both on coasts and fresh water, even up to high altitudes in the Andes. Local names: garza bruja, cuajo nocturno, huairavo, savacu.