Thai National Parks

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.

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.

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