Malayan Night Heron

Overview

The Malayan night heron (Gorsachius melanolophus), also known as the tiger bittern, is a medium-sized heron distributed across southern and eastern Asia. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with a global population estimated between 2,000 and 20,000 individuals.

Identification

• Size and build: Approximately 48 cm long with an 86 cm wingspan; stocky body with a short black beak and greenish legs.
• Plumage: Black crown, white chin, and rufous neck and breast with central streaks; chestnut vermiculated upperparts and blackish flight feathers.
• Eyes and lores: Yellow eyes; males develop deep blue lores during breeding, which fade to green or grey as incubation progresses.
• Vocalisations: Territorial call consists of deep 'oo' notes, accompanied by hoarse croaks and 'arh' sounds.

Habitat

Found in forests, streams, and marshes across a wide range including India, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and parts of Australia as vagrants. In Japan, population densities increase with undisturbed forest cover on islands, while in Taiwan, nests are sometimes located close to urban buildings.

Diet

Primarily feeds on earthworms and frogs, and occasionally consumes fish, reptiles, snails, insects, and crabs. Foraging typically occurs in open areas, though it roosts in trees.

Did you know?

Immature birds sometimes attempt to disrupt pair-bonding among adults and have been observed bonding with them, despite showing poor nest-building skills; in one instance, humans had to assist such a pair by constructing a base for their poorly built nest.