From Opus

Photographed in Hong Kong, China by Neil

Egretta eulophotes

[edit] Identification

68 cm. White, full crest, yellow bill; breeding adult - blue facial skin, short nape plumes, long back and breast plumes, long black legs, green-yellow feet. Non-breeding adult show largely yellow base to lower mandible and yellow along cutting edge of upper mandible.

[edit] Distribution

Very rare and little-known. Breeding range is unclear: colonies in southern China, possibly elsewhere in China, in North Korea around Taegam Island and perhaps on the coast of the Russian Far East.

Migratory but extent of movements little-known. Recorded in South Korea, southern Japan and the Ryukyu Islands, Hong Kong, Malaya, Singapore and Borneo. Vagrant recorded on Christmas Island. Also accidental vagrant to Agattu Island, Alaska.

[edit] Taxonomy

Monotypic.

[edit] Habitat

Tidal estuaries and mudflats.

[edit] Behaviour

It breeds on offshore islands on cliffs, in trees and low bushes and flies to mainland mudflats to feed. It builds a disc shaped best from straw and plants. 3-5 eggs are laid and incubated by the female for 24-30 days. The female cares for the young.

The diet includes invertebrates, crabs, shrimp and fish.

[edit] References

BirdLife International; ARKive

[edit] External Links