Nyctanassa violacea, commonly known as the Yellow-crowned Night Heron, is native to the Americas. Its geographical distribution includes the eastern and southern United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America, extending as far south as northern Brazil and Peru. It is also found along coastlines and river systems in these regions.

The Yellow-crowned Night Heron typically inhabits subtropical and tropical mangrove swamps, coastal marshes, wetlands, and riverbanks. It prefers areas with shallow, slow-moving water bodies and abundant vegetation that provide ample cover.

The species is primarily nocturnal and feeds on crustaceans such as crabs and crayfish, which are abundant in its habitats. It is adapted to foraging in shallow waters, using its acute vision to hunt during the night. The heron's presence is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance in its habitat, as it helps control the population of crustacean species.