The Ascension night heron is an extinct night heron species from the genus Nycticorax endemic to the South Atlantic island of Ascension. It is predominantly known from the bone fragments of six specimens found in guano deposits and caves on Ascension Island and described by Philip Ashmole, Kenneth Edwin Laurence Ryder Simmons, and William Richmond Postle Bourne in 2003.
Region
South Atlantic Ocean
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to Ascension Island’s coasts and low-lying wetlands. It likely foraged among lava-fringed tide pools, rocky shorelines, and brackish seepages, taking small fish, crabs, and marine invertebrates. Nesting may have occurred on sheltered ledges, in low shrubs, or near seabird colonies. Subfossil remains in caves suggest it also used inland roosting sites and dry lava caves. With no nearby landmasses, movements would have been local within the island.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known only from subfossil bones found in guano deposits and caves on Ascension Island, this night heron was described scientifically in 2003. It likely foraged at night or twilight along rocky shores and pools, as is typical for Nycticorax herons. The species probably disappeared soon after human arrival due to hunting pressure and introduced predators such as rats and cats.
Temperament
solitary and crepuscular
Flight Pattern
short, deliberate flights with broad wings
Social Behavior
It likely roosted communally in sheltered sites by day and fed alone or in loose aggregations at dusk and night. Breeding probably involved simple platform nests placed on ledges or low vegetation, with pairs defending a small territory. As an island endemic, it would have been non-migratory with localized movements tied to feeding and nesting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls were probably harsh, croaking notes similar to other night herons, given in flight or from concealed perches. Vocal activity would have increased around dusk at feeding and roosting areas.
