Schrenck's Bittern
Botaurus eurhythmus
Small heron, usually found in reed beds, expansive marshes, and rice fields; can occasionally be found in parks with sheltered areas, particularly lotus ponds and shaded pools. Generally uncommon throughout its range; never in the high densities of Yellow Bittern. Male is smartly attired, with a black cap, brown back, and a white neck and breast with a dark line extending down from the throat. Female is darker, with fine white spotting on the back and pale brown streaks on the throat. Compare with Cinnamon Bittern. Males give a gruff “roof, roof, roof” on the breeding grounds.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Botaurus eurhythmus
- Authority
- (Swinhoe, 1873)
- Order
- Pelecaniformes
- Family
- Ardeidae
- Genus
- Botaurus
Range and habitat
- Breeding range
- PAL : se Siberia, Korean Pen., Japan and e China
- Non-breeding range
- Malay Pen. to Greater Sundas, Sulawesi and Philippines
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Bronzed Drongo
Dicrurus aeneus
A small and compact drongo that is glossy black overall, with a short, moderately forked tail. The shiny feathers on the head, breast, and back of the neck contrast with the plain black face and belly. It often occurs in pairs and small groups, as well as in mixed-species foraging flocks. It is found in forests, along forest edges, and in well-wooded gardens and plantations. The calls are usually a pleasant jumble of shrill sounds, whistles, buzzes, and metallic notes.
Pied Butcherbird
Cracticus nigrogularis
Medium-sized ambush-hunter with a long gray bill with a dark, hooked tip. Adult has black head, upper breast, back, and tail that contrast starkly with white nape, breast, belly, and wing pattern. Immature similarly patterned in brown instead of black. More likely than Gray Butcherbird to perch atop trees and poles. Beautiful fluting, whistling song, sometimes heard at night.
Stitchbird
Notiomystis cincta
A medium-sized songbird endemic to New Zealand, restricted to predator-free offshore islands and North Island mainland sanctuaries. Male has a black head with conspicuous white ear tufts and a white wingbar. Note the vibrant yellow neck and shoulder band. Females and juveniles only have the white wingbar. Curious by nature, confidently approaching people at close range. Despite this, the species can be difficult to spot due to its rapid movements. Both sexes give a high-pitched, single-noted “titch” warning call. Males also produce whistled calls of 2-3 notes. Females can be distinguished from bellbirds by lack of green coloration. Also note the constantly cocked tail and the white wing patches.
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