Malayan night heron
| Malayan night heron | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Pelecaniformes |
| Family: | Ardeidae |
| Genus: | Gorsachius |
| Species: | G. melanolophus |
| Binomial name | |
| Gorsachius melanolophus Raffles, 1822 | |
The Malayan night heron (Gorsachius melanolophus) also known as Malaysian night heron, is a medium-sized heron. It is distributed in southern and eastern Asia, breeding in India, Taiwan, China, and the Philippines.
Description
The Malayan night heron stands about 47 cm tall. The adult is reddish brown with streaked underparts, black underwings, and a black crown. The lores are blue but can vary in colour after moulting. The sexes are similar, but the male may have a darker crest and some birds, especially females, may retain juvenile plumage. The juvenile is greyish brown with black and white spots, and its underparts are streaked.
Biology
This bird occurs in subtropical and tropical swamps, streams, and marshes, especially in regions with high rainfall. It nests in forests in trees and bamboo, and forages in open areas. The most common food items are earthworms and frogs, and it will sometimes eat fish.[2]
Conservation
The bird has a large range and its global population is between 2,000 and 20,000 individuals. Its population trend is not known, but it does not meet the criteria for a vulnerable species status.[1]
References
- 1 2 BirdLife International (2012). "Gorsachius melanolophus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
- ↑ Chang, C. (2000). Malayan Night Heron Gorsachius melanolophus breeding in immature plumage. Forktail 16 167-8. Downloaded on 26 August 2010.