Region

Mascarene Islands, western Indian Ocean

Typical Environment

Endemic to Réunion, it would have occupied riparian zones, marshes, and coastal wetlands, as well as forested valleys with running water. Like other night herons, it likely foraged along streams, estuaries, and rocky shorelines at low tide. Nesting would have occurred in dense vegetation or trees near water, where disturbance was minimal. Habitat degradation in lowland wetlands and predation likely reduced its range rapidly after human arrival.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Temperament

solitary and secretive

Flight Pattern

strong flier

Social Behavior

Night herons typically roost quietly by day and become active at dusk, and this species likely followed that pattern. Breeding probably occurred in small colonies or loose groups in trees or dense shrubs near water. Both parents would have shared incubation and chick-rearing duties, as in other Nycticorax.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Likely gave the harsh, barking or croaking calls typical of night herons, especially in flight or at dusk. Vocalizations would have been brief, carrying well over wetlands at night.

Diet

It probably fed on small fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and amphibians taken in shallow water. Like other night herons, it would have used a stand-and-wait technique at the water’s edge. Opportunistic predation on small reptiles or invertebrates on shore is also plausible.

Preferred Environment

Foraging would have occurred along stream margins, marsh edges, estuaries, and tidal pools. It likely hunted from perches or by wading slowly in shallow water under low light.